Identification of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ZMP binders

5′-phosphoribosyl-5-amino-4-imidazole carboxamide monophosphate (ZMP) is a metabolic intermediate of the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway. Its accumulation in several cell types from bacteria to human is associated with growth impairment. Identification of ZMP-binding proteins was performed to understand the molecular basis of ZMP toxicity. To assess the specificity of ZMP-binding proteins, an affinity chromatography approach was also applied to the closely related molecules AMP, SZMP (Succinyl-ZMP) and AICAR (5-amino-4-imidazole carboxamide ribonucleoside, also named Acadesine).