Official Full Name
Tautomerase
Background
In enzymology, phenylpyruvate tautomerase or Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (EC 5.3.2.1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction:keto-phenylpyruvate↔ enol-phenylpyruvate. Phenylpyruvate tautomerase has also been found to exhibit the same keto-enol tautomerism for 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, which is structurally similar to phenylpyruvate but contains an additional hydroxyl moiety in the para position of the aromatic ring. This enzyme belongs to the family of isomerases, specifically those intramolecular oxidoreductases interconverting keto-and enol-groups. This enzyme participates in tyrosine metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism.
Synonyms
Tautomerase; phenylpyruvate tautomerase; EC 5.3.2.1; phenylpyruvic keto-enol isomerase; 9023-54-5
Introductions
Tautomerase, also known as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), is a small enzyme that plays an important role in a variety of biological processes. The discovery of tautomerase can date back to the 1960s and since then it has been extensively studied due to its functional diversity. This article will provide an overview of the isoenzymes, including their structure and function, applications and clinical significance.
Structure
The structural characteristics of tautomerase are unique compared to other enzymes. It is a homotrimeric protein consisting of three identical subunits, each containing 114 amino acid residues. The trimeric structure of tautomerase is critical for its enzymatic activity, and it is stabilized by hydrophobic interactions between the subunits. The protein has a barrel-shaped structure with a diameter of approximately 40 Å and a height of around 30 Å. Tautomerase contains a catalytic site, which comprises two histidine residues, one glutamine residue, and a water molecule. The active site is responsible for the isomerization of keto-enol compounds, which is the primary function of tautomerase.
Function
The primary function of tautomerase is the isomerization of keto-enol compounds. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of keto-enol tautomers, which involves the movement of a hydrogen atom and a double bond within the molecule. This reaction is essential in various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines. In addition to its role in metabolism, tautomerase also functions as a cytokine, a hormone-like signaling molecule that regulates immune responses. As a cytokine, tautomerase stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, tautomerase has been shown to have chemotactic properties, attracting immune cells to sites of injury or infection.
Applications
Tautomerase has a wide range of applications in the field of biotechnology. One of these applications is as a diagnostic tool for certain diseases. Tautomerase levels have been found to be elevated in several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and some cancers. Therefore, measuring isoenzyme levels in blood or urine samples can provide valuable diagnostic information. Tautomerase inhibitors are also being developed as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancers. In addition, because of its ability to catalyze the isomerization of keto-enol compounds, automerase has been used as a biocatalyst for organic synthesis reactions.
Clinical significance
The clinical significance of tautomerases is multifaceted. As previously mentioned, elevated levels of automerase have been associated with a variety of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and some cancers. In rheumatoid arthritis, automerase levels are an indicator of disease activity, with higher levels indicating more severe inflammation. In renal disease, automerase has been shown to play a role in the development of fibrosis, which is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the kidney. In addition, automerase has been implicated in the pathogenesis of certain cancers, including breast, lung, and prostate cancers. Studies have shown that automerase promotes tumor growth by stimulating angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that provide nutrition to the tumor.
