The structure of human 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase at 1.7 A resolution provides insights into substrate binding and catalysis.
Appleby, T.C., Erion, M.D., Ealick, S.E.(1999) Structure 7: 629-641
- PubMed: 10404592 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0969-2126(99)80084-7
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1CB0, 1CG6 - PubMed Abstract: 
5'-Deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) catalyzes the reversible phosphorolysis of 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine (MTA) to adenine and 5-methylthio-D-ribose-1-phosphate. MTA is a by-product of polyamine biosynthesis, which is essential for cell growth and proliferation. This salvage reaction is the principle source of free adenine in human cells. Because of its importance in coupling the purine salvage pathway to polyamine biosynthesis MTAP is a potential chemotherapeutic target.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Section of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.