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NAD glycohydrolases: a possible function in calcium homeostasis
H Kim1, E L Jacobson, M K Jacobson
1Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington 76017.
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|September 1, 1994
Summary
NAD glycohydrolases are bifunctional enzymes. They synthesize and hydrolyze cyclic ADP-ribose, a calcium signaling molecule, solving a long-standing biological puzzle.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- NAD glycohydrolases are ubiquitous, membrane-bound enzymes.
- Their precise biological function has remained largely unknown.
- These enzymes catalyze ADP-ribose transfer reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the function of NAD glycohydrolases.
- To investigate the role of NAD glycohydrolases in cellular signaling pathways.
- To characterize the bifunctional activity of these enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme activity assays.
- Biochemical characterization of NAD glycohydrolases.
- Analysis of cyclic ADP-ribose metabolism.
Main Results:
- NAD glycohydrolases were discovered to be bifunctional.
- These enzymes catalyze both the synthesis and hydrolysis of cyclic ADP-ribose.
- Cyclic ADP-ribose is implicated as a second messenger in calcium homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- NAD glycohydrolases play a dual role in regulating cyclic ADP-ribose levels.
- This bifunctionality is crucial for calcium homeostasis.
- The findings resolve a long-standing puzzle regarding enzyme function.