Nucleotide synthesis and regulation in a human gut pathogen

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The investigation focuses on aspartate carbamoyltransferase (ACTase) in Helicobacter pylori, crucial for pyrimidine biosynthesis. Through NMR spectroscopy and radioactive tracer analysis, the enzyme's regulatory properties were characterized, revealing its essential role in bacterial survival. Attempts to create a mutant lacking ACTase were unsuccessful, indicating its necessity. Although PALA, an ACTase inhibitor, was tested, H. pylori converted it into non-cytotoxic products, highlighting a unique resistance mechanism against therapeutic interventions.