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Guanine deaminase also known as guanase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the deamination of guanine, a purine base found in DNA and RNA, into xanthine. This process is a part of the purine metabolism pathway, which is essential for the breakdown and recycling of purine bases.

Function

Guanine deaminase plays a crucial role in the catabolism of purine bases. It catalyzes the conversion of guanine to xanthine, a reaction that involves the removal of an amino group (NH2) from the guanine molecule. This reaction is a part of the purine degradation pathway, which is responsible for the breakdown of purine bases in the body.

Structure

The structure of guanine deaminase is complex and consists of multiple subunits. Each subunit contains a catalytic site where the deamination reaction takes place. The enzyme also contains a binding site for the substrate guanine and a cofactor that assists in the catalytic reaction.

Clinical significance

Abnormal levels of guanine deaminase activity have been associated with various diseases. For example, decreased activity of the enzyme has been observed in patients with liver disease and cancer. On the other hand, increased activity has been linked to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

See also

• Purine metabolism
• Deamination
• Enzyme
• Guanine
• Xanthine