IPPisomerase

Isomerase is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the rearrangement of atoms within a molecule. Specifically, an IPP isomerase is an enzyme that catalyzes the isomerization of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) to its isomer, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), or vice versa. This reaction is a crucial step in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids, a large and diverse class of organic compounds. Isoprenoids include important molecules such as cholesterol, carotenoids, and rubber. The equilibrium of the reaction favors the formation of IPP, but the continuous consumption of DMAPP in downstream pathways drives the reaction forward. This interconversion allows for the flexible production of the C5 building blocks needed for the synthesis of various isoprenoid chains. The enzyme responsible for this transformation is often referred to as IPP isomerase or sometimes as prenyl pyrophosphate isomerase. It plays a vital role in metabolic pathways across many organisms, from bacteria to eukaryotes.