In a variety of organisms, including plants and several eubacteria, isoprenoids are synthesised by the mevalonate-independent 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. Although different enzymes of this pathway have been described, the terminal biosynthetic steps of the MEP pathway have not been fully elucidated. GcpE gene of Escherichia coli is involved in this pathway [2].

1: Sequence and characterization of the gcpE gene of Escherichia coli. Baker J, Franklin DB, Parker J; FEMS Microbiol Lett 1992;73:175-180. PMID:1521767

2: GcpE is involved in the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. Altincicek B, Kollas AK, Sanderbrand S, Wiesner J, Hintz M, Beck E, Jomaa H; J Bacteriol 2001;183:2411-2416. PMID:11274098