AKR7A2 Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 7 Member A2 (AKR7A2) is a protein-coding gene that belongs to the aldo/keto reductase (AKR) superfamily. This superfamily is involved in the detoxification of aldehydes and ketones. AKR7A2, in particular, plays a significant role in the reduction of succinic semialdehyde to gamma-hydroxybutyrate, an important neuromodulator .
AKR7A2 is known for its broad substrate specificity. It catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of various aldehydes, including 2-carboxybenzaldehyde, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, and pyridine-2-aldehyde . This enzyme is crucial in detoxifying harmful compounds such as aflatoxin B1, a potent hepatocarcinogen . Additionally, AKR7A2 may play a role in protecting the liver from the toxic and carcinogenic effects of aflatoxin B1 .
The recombinant form of AKR7A2 is typically expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The protein is produced as a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 398 amino acids and has a molecular mass of approximately 44 kDa . The expression system involves the use of a 39 amino acid His Tag at the N-terminal, which aids in the purification process through proprietary chromatographic techniques .
For industrial production, AKR7A2 is expressed in E. coli and purified using chromatographic techniques. The protein is formulated in a solution containing 20 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8), 1 mM dithiothreitol (DTT), and 20% glycerol . The specific activity of the enzyme is measured by the oxidation of NADPH, with activity expressed as units per milligram of protein .
AKR7A2 catalyzes the reduction of aldehydes and ketones to their corresponding alcohols. This reaction involves the use of a reduced nicotinamide cofactor (NADPH) and follows an ordered bi-bi kinetic mechanism with general acid-base catalysis . The enzyme’s broad substrate specificity allows it to participate in various metabolic pathways, including the detoxification of reactive aldehydes and the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds .
The common reagents used in the reactions catalyzed by AKR7A2 include NADPH as a cofactor and various aldehyde substrates. The enzyme operates optimally in a buffer solution containing Tris-HCl (pH 8) and DTT to maintain its stability and activity . The reactions are typically carried out at 25°C to ensure optimal enzymatic activity .
