The enzyme, found in several bacterial species, catalyses a step in a modified futalosine pathway for menaquinone biosynthesis. While the enzyme from some organisms also has the activity of EC 3.2.2.9, adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase, the enzyme from Chlamydia trachomatis is specific for 6-amino-6-deoxyfutalosine [7].
5'-methylthioadenosine nucleosidase is implicated in playing a key role in a modified futalosine pathway for menaquinone biosynthesis in Campylobacter jejuni.
Crystal structures of the Helicobacter pylori MTAN enzyme reveal specific interactions between S-adenosylhomocysteine and the 5'-alkylthio binding subsite.
Structural and biochemical characterization of Chlamydia trachomatis hypothetical protein CT263 supports that menaquinone synthesis occurs through the futalosine pathway.