Enzymes
Product List
GUK1 Human
Guanylate Kinase 1 Human Recombinant
GUK1 is fused to a 20 amino acid His Tag at N-terminus and is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
GUK1 Human, Active
Guanylate Kinase 1 Human Recombinant, Active
GUK1 is fused to a 20 amino acid His Tag at N-terminus and is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Guanylate kinase (GK) is an enzyme that catalyzes the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of guanosine monophosphate (GMP) to guanosine diphosphate (GDP). This enzyme belongs to the family of transferases, specifically those transferring phosphorus-containing groups (phosphotransferases) with a phosphate group as an acceptor . Guanylate kinase is essential for recycling GMP and indirectly, cyclic GMP (cGMP) .
Key Biological Properties: Guanylate kinase is a highly conserved monomeric protein of about 200 amino acids . It is essential for the recycling of GMP and cGMP, which are crucial for various cellular processes .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Guanylate kinase is expressed in various tissues, including the brain, lung, kidney, and blood vessels . It is also found in prokaryotes like Escherichia coli, lower eukaryotes such as yeast, and vertebrates .
Primary Biological Functions: Guanylate kinase plays a critical role in guanine nucleotide metabolism, which is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis . It is also involved in the intracellular activation of antiviral and anticancer purine nucleoside analog prodrugs .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs), which are related to guanylate kinase, are involved in host defense against diverse pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, and viruses . They play a role in the host antiviral innate immune responses by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Guanylate kinase catalyzes the reversible phosphoryl group transfer from ATP to GMP, yielding GDP and ADP . This reaction is crucial for maintaining the balance of guanine nucleotides within the cell .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Guanylate kinase interacts with various molecules, including GMP and ATP, to facilitate its catalytic activity . It also plays a role in downstream signaling pathways that regulate cellular processes such as muscle relaxation and vasodilation .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of guanylate kinase is regulated at the transcriptional level by various factors, including stress responses and nutrient availability .
Post-Translational Modifications: Guanylate kinase activity can be regulated by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, which can affect its catalytic efficiency and interactions with other proteins .
Biomedical Research: Guanylate kinase is a potential target for antiviral therapies, particularly against SARS-CoV-2 . Inhibitors of guanylate kinase have shown promise in reducing viral replication without affecting the host .
Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Strategies: Guanylate kinase and its related pathways are being explored for their potential in diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for various diseases, including cancer and viral infections .
Development to Aging and Disease: Guanylate kinase plays a crucial role throughout the life cycle, from development to aging. It is involved in cellular processes essential for growth and maintenance . Dysregulation of guanylate kinase activity has been linked to various diseases, including cancer and viral infections .
