Methylglyoxal synthase catalyzes the enolization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to produce methylglyoxal. The first part of the catalytic mechanism is believed to be similar to TIM (triosephosphate isomerase) in that both enzymes utilize DHAP to form an ene-diolate phosphate intermediate. In MGS, the second catalytic step is characterized by the elimination of phosphate and collapse of the enediolate to form methylglyoxal instead of reprotonation to form the isomer glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, as in TIM. This is the first reaction in the methylglyoxal bypass of the Embden-Myerhoff glycolytic pathway and is believed to provide physiological benefits under non-ideal growth conditions in bacteria.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",