Thiamine-triphosphatase

Thiamine-triphosphatase (TTPase) is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction of hydrolysis of thiamine triphosphate (ThTP) to thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) and inorganic phosphate. This enzyme belongs to the family of hydrolases, specifically those acting on acid anhydrides in phosphorus-containing anhydrides.

Function

Thiamine-triphosphatase plays a crucial role in the metabolism of thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine is an essential nutrient that all tissues of the body need to function properly. Thiamine is involved in many body functions, including nervous system and muscle functioning, the flow of electrolytes in and out of nerve and muscle cells, digestion, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Structure

Thiamine-triphosphatase is a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa. The enzyme is highly specific for ThTP and does not hydrolyze other nucleoside triphosphates.

Clinical significance

Deficiency in thiamine-triphosphatase can lead to a variety of health problems, including beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and certain types of encephalopathy. These conditions are often associated with malnutrition, alcoholism, or conditions that affect absorption in the gut.

See also

• Thiamine pyrophosphatase
• Thiamine
• Thiamine diphosphate