UCK2 Human

The UCK2 gene is located on chromosome 1q24.1 and encodes a protein that is approximately 261 amino acids long . The protein structure of UCK2 includes a five-stranded β-sheet surrounded by five α-helices and a β-hairpin loop, which forms a significant portion of the binding pocket for its substrates . The active site of UCK2 contains key residues such as His-117 and Tyr-112, which are crucial for substrate binding, and Asp-62, which is essential for its catalytic activity .

UCK2 catalyzes the phosphorylation of uridine and cytidine to uridine monophosphate (UMP) and cytidine monophosphate (CMP), respectively . This phosphorylation is the first step in the production of pyrimidine nucleoside triphosphates, which are necessary for RNA and DNA synthesis . UCK2 can utilize ATP or GTP as a phosphate donor and can also phosphorylate various nucleoside analogs, making it a versatile enzyme .

Recombinant UCK2 is produced through recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the UCK2 gene into an expression vector and introducing it into a host cell, such as E. coli, to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant form is used in various research and clinical applications, including studies on nucleotide metabolism and the development of antiviral and anticancer drugs .

UCK2 has been implicated in several clinical contexts. For instance, an allele of the UCK2 gene may play a role in mediating nonhumoral immunity to Hemophilus influenzae type B . Additionally, due to its role in nucleotide metabolism, UCK2 is a target for drug development, particularly in the context of cancer and viral infections .