This enzyme is known to be overexpressed in isoniazid resistant strains of M. tuberculosis, and has been shown to be important for its virulence. It therefore acts as a good drug target. We have characterized the enzyme in its biochemical details. A high throughput screen for finding inhibitors has also been set up. Attempts to crystallize the enzyme are under progress, and promising crystals have been observed.

Recent publications:

1. Identification of the INO1 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv reveals a novel class of inositol-1-phosphate synthase enzyme.
   N. Bachhawat and S. C. Mande
   J. Mol. Biol. (1999) 291, 531- 536.
2. Complex evolution of the inositol-1-phosphate synthase gene among archaea and eubacteria.
   N. Bachhawat and S. C. Mande
   Trends Genet. (2000) 16, 111- 113.