Crystal structure and inhibition studies of isocitrate lyase

The glyoxylate cycle is a modified form of the tricarboxylic acid cycle; it was initially discovered in microorganisms and plays a fundamental role in nature by providing the means for microorganisms to grow on acetate, ethanol, or fatty acids. Several lines of evidence suggest that pathogenic microorganisms use primarily fatty acids, rather than carbohydrates, as carbon substrates during infection. . Data from recent studies indicate that M. grisea isocitrate lyase (ICL), a key enzyme in the glyoxylate cycle, is highly expressed during appressorium‐mediated plant infection. We determined the structure of the ICL at 2.7 Å resolution by X‐ray crystallography. More research is needed to identify inhibitors that selectively target enzymes in the glyoxylate cycle. Recently, we have carried out further studies on ICL using putative inhibitor. Hopefully, recent knowledge generated about the role of the glyoxylate cycle in virulence can be used for the development of new vaccines, or specific inhibitors to combat bacterial and fungal diseases.