Liu et al investigate the effects of divalent metal ions on catalysis and inhibition of the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and its cancer-linked variant R132H. They further identify the substrates for IDH as complexes with Mg2+ and show that allosteric inhibitors work by weakening Mg2+ binding of R132H, providing mechanistic insights into the basis for selective R132H IDH1 inhibition.
- Shuang Liu
- Martine I. Abboud
- Christopher J. Schofield