Dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS) catalyses the aldol-like condensation of pyruvate and L-aspartate beta semi-aldehyde (S-ASA). It is an enzyme involved in the lysine biosynthetic pathway of procaryotes, some Phycomycetes and higher plants. Since this pathway is not present in animals, pathway members such as DHDPS have become attractive targets for rational antibiotic and herbicide drug design.
Defined by 6 residues: THR:A-44TYR:A-133ARG:A-138LYS:A-161ILE:A-203TYR:B_2-107