Acireductone Dioxygenase 1 (ARD1) is a metalloenzyme that plays a crucial role in the methionine salvage pathway (MSP). This pathway is essential for recycling methionine, an amino acid vital for various cellular functions. ARD1 is a member of the cupin superfamily, characterized by a conserved β-barrel structure .
ARD1 exhibits a unique structural fold known as the cupin fold, which consists of a double-stranded β-helix domain surrounded by three pseudosymmetrically arranged α-helices . The enzyme’s active site is located at the wide end of the β-helix and is coordinated by three histidine residues and one carboxylate group, forming a pseudo-octahedral metal ligation scheme .
The primary function of ARD1 is to catalyze the oxidative cleavage of acireductone, the penultimate intermediate in the MSP, to formate and 4-methylthio-2-oxobutyrate (MTOB), a ketoacid precursor of methionine . The enzyme’s activity is metal-dependent, with Fe²⁺-bound ARD1 catalyzing the on-pathway reaction leading to methionine, while Ni²⁺-bound ARD1 catalyzes an off-pathway reaction producing methylthiopropionate and carbon monoxide .
ARD1 is ubiquitous among aerobic organisms, including bacteria, plants, fungi, and animals . In humans, ARD1 is encoded by the ADI1 gene and is involved in various cellular processes, including polyamine biosynthesis and regulation of apoptosis . The enzyme’s role in the MSP and its interaction with other cellular components make it a critical player in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
The mouse anti-human ARD1 antibody is a monoclonal antibody specifically designed to target and bind to human ARD1. This antibody is commonly used in research to study the expression, localization, and function of ARD1 in various biological contexts. It is also employed in diagnostic applications to detect abnormalities in ARD1 expression, which may be associated with certain diseases, including cancer .
Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of ARD1 in cancer biology. The enzyme’s involvement in the MSP and its regulation of polyamine biosynthesis have been linked to cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis . Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ARD1’s function and its interactions with other cellular components could provide valuable insights into novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.