Molybdenum Cofactor Synthesis 2 (MOCS2) is a crucial protein involved in the biosynthesis of the molybdenum cofactor (MoCo), which is essential for the activity of various molybdoenzymes in humans. These enzymes play significant roles in metabolic pathways, including the catabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids and purines.
The MOCS2 gene is located on chromosome 5 and encodes two subunits of the molybdopterin synthase enzyme: MOCS2A and MOCS2B . These subunits are produced from overlapping open reading frames within the same gene, a unique feature that allows for the efficient synthesis of both components required for molybdopterin biosynthesis .
Recombinant human MOCS2 is produced using genetic engineering techniques, typically in bacterial systems such as E. coli . The recombinant protein often includes a His-tag to facilitate purification and is used in research to study the function and structure of MOCS2, as well as its role in MoCo biosynthesis .
Mutations in the MOCS2 gene can lead to molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCD), a rare but severe metabolic disorder characterized by neurological abnormalities and early childhood mortality . MoCD is classified into different types based on the specific gene affected in the biosynthetic pathway, with MOCS2 mutations leading to Type B deficiency .