DLD Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
DLD is a homodimeric enzyme, meaning it consists of two identical subunits. Each subunit contains a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) prosthetic group, which is essential for its catalytic activity. The enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of dihydrolipoamide to lipoamide, a reaction that also generates NADH from NAD+ .
The primary function of DLD is to facilitate the transfer of electrons from dihydrolipoamide to NAD+, forming lipoamide and NADH. This reaction is vital for the proper functioning of the mitochondrial enzyme complexes mentioned earlier, which are involved in critical metabolic pathways such as the citric acid cycle and amino acid catabolism .
Recombinant human DLD is produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression systems. The recombinant protein typically includes an N-terminal His-tag to facilitate purification. The recombinant form retains the enzymatic activity of the native protein and is used in various research applications, including studies on enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, and disease mechanisms .
Mutations in the DLD gene can lead to dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency, a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. This condition is characterized by lactic acidosis, neurological deficits, and other systemic symptoms. The deficiency disrupts the normal function of the mitochondrial enzyme complexes, leading to impaired energy production and metabolic imbalances .
In addition to its role in metabolic disorders, DLD has been identified as a potential molecular target for certain cancer therapies. For example, studies have shown that DLD can interact with proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib, suggesting that targeting DLD may enhance the efficacy of these treatments in multiple myeloma .
Recombinant human DLD is widely used in biochemical and clinical research. It serves as a valuable tool for studying the enzyme’s structure-function relationships, investigating the effects of genetic mutations, and exploring potential therapeutic interventions. The availability of high-purity recombinant DLD allows researchers to conduct detailed mechanistic studies and develop assays for drug screening .
