Specific Enzymes Degrading Diadenosine Tetraphosphate (Ap₄ A). Promising Targets for Selective Drugs to be Designed

Abstract

Three types of specific Ap₄.A-degrading enzymes are known: asymmetrical Ap₄ A hydrolase, asymmetrical Ap₄.A hydrolase and Ap₄. A α,β-phosphorylase (ADP-forming). Since each of the enzymes is specific for different kingdom of the organisms and differs both in the mode of Ap.A degradation, interaction with metal ions and in substrate specificity, one can anticipate that new family of drugs could be designed which would selectively inhibit the microbial (bacterial, fungal or protozoan) enzymes without affecting the mammalian or plant counterparts.