Biliverdin reductase A

Biliverdin reductase A (BLVRA) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the BLVRA gene. This enzyme belongs to the family of oxidoreductases, specifically those acting on the CH-OH group of donor with NAD+ or NADP+ as acceptor. The systematic name of this enzyme class is biliverdin: NAD(P)+ oxidoreductase. Other names in common use include biliverdin reductase (NAD(P)H), and biliverdin reductase (NAD(P)+).

Function

Biliverdin reductase A catalyzes the reduction of biliverdin to bilirubin in the presence of NAD(P)H. This is the last step in the heme catabolic pathway, which is responsible for the breakdown of heme, a cyclic compound of four pyrrole rings, into biliverdin, and then bilirubin. Bilirubin is a potent antioxidant that has been linked to protection against oxidative stress.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the BLVRA gene have been associated with a rare condition known as hyperbiliverdinemia, characterized by an excess of biliverdin in the blood. This condition can lead to jaundice and damage to the liver and other organs.

See also

• Biliverdin reductase B
• Heme oxygenase
• Bilirubin

External links

• Human BLVRA gene details page in the NCBI database.
• Human BLVRA protein details page in the UniProt database.

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