Quinolinate synthetase catalyses the second step of the de novo biosynthetic pathway of pyridine nucleotide formation. In particular, quinolinate synthetase is involved in the condensation of dihydroxyacetone phosphate and iminoaspartate to form quinolinic acid [2]. This synthesis requires two enzymes, a FAD-containing "B protein" and an "A protein".

1: Molecular biology of pyridine nucleotide biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. Cloning and characterization of quinolinate synthesis genes nadA and nadB. Flachmann R, Kunz N, Seifert J, Gutlich M, Wientjes FJ, Laufer A , Gassen HG; Eur J Biochem 1988;175:221-228. PMID:2841129

2: Cloning, overexpression, and purification of Escherichia coli quinolinate synthetase. Ceciliani F, Caramori T, Ronchi S, Tedeschi G, Mortarino M, Galizzi A; Protein Expr Purif 2000;18:64-70. PMID:10648170