Human ATP-binding proteins: Structural features, functional diversity, and pharmacotherapeutic potential in disease:...

ATP-binding proteins (ABPs) form diverse and essential protein families across living organisms. Early life forms likely relied on simple chemical reactions for energy, but with the emergence of ABPs and their evolving functions, organisms became capable of more efficient energy storage and utilization, which drove the complexity of metabolic and life processes. By binding and hydrolyzing ATP through conserved structural motifs such as the Walker motifs, ABPs play critical roles in material transport, signal transduction, cellular structure maintenance, motility, and cell cycle regulation. Dysfunctions arising from mutations, deletions, or misregulation of ABPs are linked to a variety of human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The growing recognition of ABPs' significance in disease progression highlights their relevance not only in basic biology but also in clinical applications, particularly as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of human ABPs, detailing their structural and functional roles, their involvement in disease mechanisms, and the latest advances in understanding their clinical relevance. Additionally, it identifies current research gaps and offers new perspectives for future investigations and therapeutic strategies.