Biochemical Reaction Mechanism of Scytalone Dehydratase and Structure-based Inhibitor Design

Biochemical Reaction Mechanism of Scytalone Dehydratase and Structure-based Inhibitor Design 

Scytalone dehydratase catalyzes two analogous steps in DHN melanin biosynthesis (Fig. 20.1). Various biochemical aspects of the catalysis have been investigated by Douglas Jordan and coworkers from DuPont [Basarab et al., 2002 Zheng et al, 2002 Jordan et al, 2000 a Jordan et al., 2000 b Basarab et al., 1999 Jordan et al, 1999]. Based on crystal structure analysis, which is discussed below in much more detail with respect to inhibitor design, a biochemical reaction mechanism can be proposed (Fig. 20.3). 

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