Aprataxin is a protein encoded by the APTX gene in humans. It belongs to the histidine triad (HIT) superfamily, which includes proteins with nucleotide-binding and diadenosine polyphosphate hydrolase activities . Aprataxin plays a crucial role in DNA repair, particularly in the repair of single-strand breaks (SSBs) in DNA .
Aprataxin is involved in the DNA damage response and repair pathways. It specifically removes adenylate groups from the 5’ ends of DNA, which are added during abortive DNA ligation attempts by DNA ligase IV . This removal is essential for subsequent successful ligation and repair of DNA breaks. Aprataxin interacts with several key proteins involved in DNA repair, including XRCC1, PARP-1, and p53 .
Mutations in the APTX gene are associated with a rare neurological disorder known as Ataxia-Oculomotor Apraxia 1 (AOA1) . This disorder is characterized by early-onset cerebellar ataxia, oculomotor apraxia, and peripheral neuropathy . Patients with AOA1 exhibit increased sensitivity to agents that cause single-strand breaks in DNA, leading to genome instability .
Recombinant aprataxin is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the APTX gene into an expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant protein is used in various research applications to study its function, interactions, and role in DNA repair mechanisms .
Research on aprataxin has provided significant insights into its role in maintaining genomic stability and protecting against genotoxic stress . Studies have demonstrated that aprataxin interacts with other DNA repair proteins and is involved in the cellular response to DNA damage . Recombinant aprataxin is used in biochemical assays to investigate its enzymatic activities and interactions with other proteins .