Biliverdin reductase B

Biliverdin reductase B (BLVRB) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the BLVRB 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 B is a soluble, cytosolic enzyme with a major role in heme metabolism. It catalyzes the reduction of biliverdin IX alpha to bilirubin IX alpha, using NAD(P)H as a cofactor. This reaction is the last step in the heme catabolic pathway, which is responsible for the breakdown of heme, a critical component of various molecules including hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochromes.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the BLVRB gene have been associated with hereditary methemoglobinemia. This is a rare condition characterized by an increased level of methemoglobin in the blood, which can lead to cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.

See also

• Biliverdin reductase
• Heme metabolism
• Methemoglobinemia

External links

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

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