Function
Cystathionine gamma synthase (CGS) catalyzes the formation of cystathionine and succinate from cysteine and succinyl homoserine in microorganisms and plants. This reaction is part of Met biosynthesis pathway[1].
Relevance
CGS deletion mutants in bacteria caused lack of growth which was reversed by addition of Met[2]. CGS is a target of antimicrobial agent and herbicides.
Structural highlights
The 3D structure of tobacco CGS complex with an inhibitor shows the interaction of the inhibitor in the substrate binding pocket of CGS dimer. The carboxylate moiety of the inhibitor makes hydrogen bond to Arg and its phosphonate group binds to phosphate recognition group formed by residues from both monomers[3].