Riboflavin Biosynthetic and Regulatory Factors as Potential Novel Anti-Infective Drug Targets

Riboflavin (vitamin B-2) is the direct precursor of redox enzyme cofactors flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are essential for multiple cell physiology. The riboflavin biosynthetic pathway is regarded as a rich resource for therapeutic targets for broad spectrum antibiotics. Enzymatic pathways, regulatory factors of the riboflavin biosynthesis, and relevant drug discovery are summarized in this review. The novel riboswitch regulatory mechanism of riboflavin metabolism is also described. A compendium of chemical modulators of riboflavin biosynthesis and regulatory networks is listed and such demonstrates the promise of riboflavin biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms as potential therapeutic targets for novel antibiotic drug discovery.