AK5 Human

Adenylate Kinase 5 (AK5) is a member of the adenylate kinase family, which plays a crucial role in cellular energy homeostasis by catalyzing the reversible transfer of phosphate groups among adenine nucleotides. This enzyme is involved in regulating the adenine nucleotide composition within a cell, ensuring a balance between ATP, ADP, and AMP levels .

Adenylate Kinase 5 is a small enzyme that belongs to the nucleoside monophosphate (NMP) kinase family. It catalyzes the reaction:

$$\text{ATP} + \text{AMP} \leftrightarrow 2\text{ADP}$$

This reaction is vital for maintaining the energy equilibrium within cells. AK5 is known for its high specificity for adenine nucleotides and its ability to facilitate rapid energy transfer and buffering within the cell .

The adenylate kinase family consists of several isoenzymes, each with distinct cellular localizations and functions. AK5, also known as adenylate kinase isoenzyme 5, is primarily found in the cytosol. It is involved in various cellular processes, including energy metabolism and signal transduction .

Recombinant AK5 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the gene encoding AK5 is cloned and expressed in a suitable host organism, such as Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein is then purified to obtain a high-quality enzyme for research and therapeutic applications. Recombinant AK5 is often tagged with a His-tag to facilitate purification and detection .

Dysregulation or mutation of adenylate kinase isoenzymes, including AK5, has been linked to various medical conditions. For instance, mutations in AK5 have been associated with limbic encephalitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the brain’s limbic system. Additionally, AK5 plays a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases, where oxidative stress is a key factor .

Recombinant AK5 is widely used in biochemical and medical research. It serves as a valuable tool for studying energy metabolism, signal transduction, and the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases. Furthermore, AK5 is a potential target for developing new pharmaceutical compounds aimed at modulating its activity for therapeutic purposes .