IMPDH2

Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the IMPDH2 gene. IMPDH2 is a member of the IMPDH/GMPR family, which includes inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and guanosine monophosphate reductase (GMPR).

Function

The IMPDH2 gene encodes the protein IMPDH2, which plays a crucial role in the purine metabolic pathway. This enzyme catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidation of inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP) into xanthosine-5'-monophosphate (XMP), which is a key step in the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the IMPDH2 gene have been associated with various diseases. For instance, increased activity of IMPDH2 has been linked to cancer as it is often overexpressed in tumor cells. Inhibitors of IMPDH2, such as mycophenolate mofetil, are used in immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation and in treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Structure

The structure of IMPDH2 is composed of two domains: a catalytic domain and a Bateman domain. The catalytic domain is responsible for the enzymatic activity of IMPDH2, while the Bateman domain is involved in the regulation of the enzyme's activity.

File:IMPDH2 structure.png

The structure of IMPDH2. The catalytic domain is shown in blue, and the Bateman domain is shown in green.

See also

• Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase
• Purine metabolism
• Mycophenolate mofetil