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{{short description|Class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of functional groups}}
'''Transferase''' is a class of [[enzyme]]s that facilitate the transfer of a functional group (e.g., a methyl or phosphate group) from one molecule (called the donor) to another (called the acceptor). Transferases are involved in myriad reactions in the cell.
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
'''Transferases''' are a class of [[enzyme]]s that catalyze the transfer of specific functional groups (e.g., a methyl or glycosyl group) from one molecule (the donor) to another (the acceptor). These enzymes are essential in various biological processes, including [[metabolism]], [[signal transduction]], and [[gene expression]].
== Classification ==
==Function==
Transferases can be broadly classified into nine categories based on the type of functional group they transfer:
Transferases play a crucial role in the metabolism of cells by facilitating the transfer of functional groups between molecules. This process is vital for the synthesis and degradation of biomolecules. For example, [[aminotransferase]]s are involved in the transfer of amino groups, which is essential for the synthesis of [[amino acids]].
==Classification==
# [[Transaminase]]s
Transferases are classified based on the type of group they transfer. The [[Enzyme Commission number|EC number]] 2 classifies transferases into several subclasses:
# [[Acyl transferase]]s
# [[Alkyl or aryl transferase]]s
# [[Diphosphotransferase]]s
# [[Phosphotransferase]]s
# [[Sulfurtransferase]]s
# [[Methyltransferase]]s
# [[Glycosyltransferase]]s
# Other transferases
* EC 2.1: Transferring one-carbon groups
Each of these categories includes numerous specific enzymes, each with its own target donor and acceptor molecules.
* EC 2.2: Transferring aldehyde or ketonic groups
* EC 2.3: Acyltransferases
* EC 2.4: Glycosyltransferases
* EC 2.5: Transferring alkyl or aryl groups, other than methyl groups
* EC 2.6: Transferring nitrogenous groups
* EC 2.7: Transferring phosphorus-containing groups
* EC 2.8: Transferring sulfur-containing groups
==Examples==
== Function ==
===Aminotransferases===
Transferases play a critical role in various biological processes, including [[metabolism]], where they catalyze the transfer of functional groups to facilitate reactions. For example, in the process of [[glycolysis]], the enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase transfers a phosphate group from 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate to ADP to form ATP and 3-phosphoglycerate.
Aminotransferases, also known as transaminases, are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a keto acid. This reaction is crucial in the synthesis and degradation of amino acids. An example is the [[aspartate aminotransferase]] reaction:
Abnormal transferase activity can lead to a variety of health conditions. For example, elevated levels of the transaminases [[Alanine transaminase|ALT]] and [[Aspartate transaminase|AST]] in the blood can be an indicator of liver damage. In addition, mutations in the genes encoding transferases can lead to metabolic disorders. For example, a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is a type of transferase, results in the metabolic disorder [[Phenylketonuria|PKU]].
[[Alpha-amanitin]] is a potent inhibitor of [[RNA polymerase II]], an enzyme responsible for transcribing [[DNA]] into [[messenger RNA]]. The interaction between alpha-amanitin and RNA polymerase II can be visualized in the following structure:
== See also ==
===Dopamine Degradation===
* [[Hydrolase]]
Transferases are involved in the degradation of [[dopamine]], a neurotransmitter. The process involves several steps, including the transfer of functional groups:
Aspartate carbamoyltransferase (ATCase) is an enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis of [[pyrimidine]]s. The reaction involves the transfer of a carbamoyl group:
Transferases can vary significantly in structure, but they often share common features that facilitate their catalytic activity. The active site of a transferase is typically where the donor and acceptor molecules bind, allowing the transfer of the functional group. Structural studies, such as those using [[X-ray crystallography]], have provided insights into the mechanisms of these enzymes.
[[File:PDB_1aqy_EBI.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Crystal structure of a transferase enzyme]]
==Related pages==
* [[Enzyme]]
* [[Metabolism]]
* [[Catalysis]]
* [[Biochemistry]]
==References==
* Berg, J. M., Tymoczko, J. L., & Stryer, L. (2002). ''Biochemistry''. 5th edition. New York: W H Freeman.
* Voet, D., Voet, J. G., & Pratt, C. W. (2016). ''Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level''. 5th edition. Wiley.
[[Category:Transferases]]
Latest revision as of 03:11, 28 March 2025
Transferase is a class of enzymes that facilitate the transfer of a functional group (e.g., a methyl or phosphate group) from one molecule (called the donor) to another (called the acceptor). Transferases are involved in myriad reactions in the cell.
Transferases play a critical role in various biological processes, including metabolism, where they catalyze the transfer of functional groups to facilitate reactions. For example, in the process of glycolysis, the enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase transfers a phosphate group from 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate to ADP to form ATP and 3-phosphoglycerate.
Abnormal transferase activity can lead to a variety of health conditions. For example, elevated levels of the transaminases ALT and AST in the blood can be an indicator of liver damage. In addition, mutations in the genes encoding transferases can lead to metabolic disorders. For example, a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is a type of transferase, results in the metabolic disorder PKU.
