Thymidylate kinase: the lost chemotherapeutic target.

Abstract

Here we highlight the unusual substrate specificity of Plasmodium falciparum thymidylate kinase (PfTMK) and the validity of the enzyme as a new drug target. Furthermore, we predict that the Anaplasma marginale enzyme has attractive domain constituents and may be functionally different from other TMPKs. We postulate that thymidylate kinases could have multiple attractive functions in pathogens and may be a new drug target against numerous microorganisms.