The Alkaline Phosphatase is purified by affinity chromatography, which results in an enzyme of high specific activity and purity.
Alkaline Phosphatase is Dimeric protein having a molecular weight of 140 kDa, one Zn++ ion is tightly bound to each subunit, and another less tightly bound is involved in the catalytic reaction. Mg++ stimulates the catalysis. The binding site for Mg++ is different to that of Zn++, but will be occupied by excess Zn++ followed by loss of enzyme activity.
Alkaline Phosphatase is a phosphomonoesterase and pyrophosphatase that catalyzes the removal of phosphate groups from nucleotides, proteins, and other molecules . This enzyme is particularly active in an alkaline environment, hence its name. The enzyme’s activity is crucial for maintaining the balance of phosphate in the body, which is vital for energy transfer, signal transduction, and other cellular processes.
Bovine Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase is derived from the intestinal mucosa of cows. It is widely used in biochemical research and clinical diagnostics due to its ability to dephosphorylate various substrates. Some of its applications include:
In the body, intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is produced by enterocytes in the small intestine. It has several important physiological roles, including:
The levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood are often measured as part of routine blood tests. Abnormal levels can indicate various health issues, such as liver disease, bone disorders, or intestinal problems . In recent years, research has also explored the potential therapeutic uses of IAP in treating inflammatory diseases and other conditions .