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CTP synthase: the hissing of the cellular serpent

Shallinie Thangadurai1, Morteza Bajgiran1, Sharvin Manickam1

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia.

Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|July 26, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPsyn) forms cellular structures called cytoophidia, crucial for development and homeostasis. Its dysregulation links to cancer and immunodeficiency, highlighting CTPsyn as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPsyn) catalyzes the de novo pathway of CTP biosynthesis.
  • CTPsyn self-assembles into filamentous structures known as cytoophidia, a phenomenon conserved across species.
  • The enzyme's role in cellular development, homeostasis, cancer, and immunodeficiency has been investigated since the 1970s.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of CTPsyn's function in cellular processes and disease.
  • To explore the significance of CTPsyn cytoophidia in various cell types.
  • To discuss the potential of CTPsyn as a therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on CTPsyn.
  • Analysis of CTPsyn activity and cytoophidia formation in different species and cell types.
  • Examination of the link between CTPsyn expression levels and disease states.

Main Results:

  • CTPsyn self-assembly into cytoophidia is evolutionarily conserved, but enzyme activity varies by species.
  • High CTPsyn activity and cytoophidia are prevalent in rapidly proliferating cells like stem and cancer cells.
  • CTPsyn deficiency results in severe immunodeficiency, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Conclusions:

  • CTPsyn is essential for cellular development and homeostasis.
  • The formation and activity of CTPsyn cytoophidia are linked to cell proliferation and disease.
  • CTPsyn represents a promising therapeutic target for cancer and immunodeficiency disorders.
Keywords:
CTP synthetaseCTPSCTPsynCytoophidiumDrosophila melanogasterFilamentationRods and rings

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