Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
13:00
Hot Biological Catalysis: Isothermal Titration Calorimetry to Characterize Enzymatic Reactions
Published on: April 4, 2014
21.6K
Ureases as multifunctional toxic proteins: A review.
Celia R Carlini1, Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun2
1Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Toxicon : Official Journal of the International Society on Toxinology
|December 23, 2015
Summary
Ureases, enzymes known for protein structure, exhibit novel non-enzymatic toxic properties. These include fungicidal, insecticidal, and neurotoxic effects, with potential applications in plant defense and disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ureases, historically significant metalloenzymes, were pivotal in establishing proteins as enzymes.
- Recent decades revealed novel toxic properties of ureases independent of their catalytic activity.
- Canatoxin, a jack bean urease isoform, demonstrated neurotoxic effects, spurring further research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the non-enzymatic properties of plant and microbial ureases.
- To explore the diverse toxicological effects of ureases beyond urea hydrolysis.
- To highlight the biotechnological potential and therapeutic targets associated with ureases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research on urease non-enzymatic properties.
- Analysis of studies on fungitoxic, insecticidal, and neurotoxic effects.
- Examination of urease roles in microbial virulence and mammalian cell responses.
Main Results:
- Plant and microbial ureases exhibit fungitoxicity via membrane permeabilization.
- Ureases possess potent insecticidal activity, partly due to a proteolysis-released peptide.
- Ureases demonstrate acute neurotoxicity in mammal models and activate mammalian cells, contributing to inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Ureases possess significant "moonlighting" non-enzymatic functions, including toxicity.
- These properties offer potential for developing plant defense strategies against pests.
- Ureases represent potential therapeutic targets for managing diseases caused by urease-producing pathogens.
Keywords:
AntifungalCanavalia ensiformisEicosanoidsGlycine maxHelicobacter pyloriInsecticideNeurotoxicityPro-inflammatory activityProteolytic activationVirulence factorMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
23
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
23
01:13The Proteasome
2.0K
Eukaryotic cells can degrade proteins through several pathways. One of the most important among these is the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. It helps the cell eliminate the misfolded, damaged, or unwarranted cytoplasmic proteins in a highly specific manner.
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. This involves participation of a series of enzymes including— E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3...
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. This involves participation of a series of enzymes including— E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3...
2.0K
02:18The Proteasome
10.5K
Eukaryotic cells can degrade proteins through several pathways. One of the most important amongst these is the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. It helps the cell eliminate the misfolded, damaged, or unwarranted cytoplasmic proteins in a highly specific manner.
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. A series of enzymes carry out the ubiquitination of the target proteins - E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3...
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. A series of enzymes carry out the ubiquitination of the target proteins - E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3...
10.5K
01:13Introduction to Urinary System
11.7K
The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
11.7K
02:24Comparative Excretory Systems
27.1K
Animals have evolved different strategies for excretion, the removal of waste from the body. Most waste must be dissolved in water to be excreted, so an animal’s excretory strategy directly affects its water balance.
27.1K
01:23Urea Cycle
52.1K
The urea cycle describes how liver cells convert ammonia to urea. Ammonia is a toxic waste product of protein catabolism. Land animals must convert ammonia into the less toxic urea which can be safely eliminated by the kidneys through urine. Marine animals excrete ammonia directly, and the surrounding water dilutes the ammonia to safe levels.
52.1K