Arginine amidinase

Arginine Amidinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of arginine into citrulline and ammonia. This enzyme is part of the urea cycle, which is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in many organisms. The urea cycle is crucial for the removal of ammonia and the production of urea.

Function

Arginine Amidinase, also known as L-arginine deiminase, is primarily found in microorganisms and plays a significant role in their nitrogen metabolism. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of arginine to citrulline, releasing ammonia in the process. This reaction is a part of the broader urea cycle, which is essential for the detoxification of ammonia in the body.

Structure

The structure of Arginine Amidinase is complex and consists of multiple subunits. Each subunit contains a catalytic site where the reaction takes place. The enzyme's structure is crucial for its function, as it allows the enzyme to bind to arginine and catalyze its conversion into citrulline and ammonia.

Clinical Significance

Arginine Amidinase has potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Some cancer cells are deficient in argininosuccinate synthetase, an enzyme that synthesizes arginine. Therefore, these cells rely on external sources of arginine for survival. Arginine Amidinase can deplete these external sources of arginine, leading to the death of the cancer cells.

See Also

• Urea cycle
• Enzyme
• Arginine
• Citrulline
• Ammonia