APOBEC

APOBEC is a family of evolutionarily conserved cytidine deaminases. In humans, it includes APOBEC1, APOBEC2, APOBEC3 (with subtypes A-H), and APOBEC4. These enzymes play crucial roles in innate immune response against viruses and retrotransposons. APOBEC proteins can also induce somatic mutations in tumor cells, contributing to cancer progression.

Function

The primary function of APOBEC enzymes is to deaminate cytidines in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). This process changes cytidine (C) to uridine (U), which can lead to DNA mutations. APOBEC proteins are involved in various biological processes, including antiviral immunity, cancer progression, and genome stability.

Structure

APOBEC proteins have a zinc-dependent deaminase domain, which is responsible for their catalytic activity. Some APOBEC proteins, like APOBEC3G, have two such domains, but only one is catalytically active.

Role in Immunity

APOBEC proteins are part of the innate immune system and provide defense against viruses and retrotransposons. They can inhibit the replication of these pathogens by mutating their genetic material.

Role in Cancer

APOBEC enzymes can induce somatic mutations in tumor cells, contributing to cancer progression. They can cause genomic instability and heterogeneity within tumors, which can lead to therapy resistance.

See Also

• Cytidine deaminase
• Innate immune system
• Cancer

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