Karboksüültransferaas

Karboksüültransferaas is a broad class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a carboxyl group (COOH) from one molecule to another. This reaction is a fundamental process in many biochemical pathways, playing crucial roles in metabolism, biosynthesis, and energy production. These enzymes are vital for life, enabling the interconversion of carbon compounds and the synthesis of essential biomolecules.

The general reaction catalyzed by a karboksüültransferaas involves a substrate and a carboxyl group donor, often in the form of a carboxylated molecule, and a carboxyl group acceptor. The enzyme facilitates the movement of the carboxyl group from the donor to the acceptor molecule, forming a new carboxylated compound. The specific substrates and products vary widely depending on the particular karboksüültransferaas enzyme.

One well-known example is pyruvate carboxylase, which adds a carboxyl group to pyruvate to form oxaloacetate, a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle and gluconeogenesis. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is another important karboksüültransferaas, responsible for the synthesis of malonyl-CoA from acetyl-CoA, a critical step in fatty acid biosynthesis. These enzymes often require cofactors, such as biotin, to facilitate the carboxyl transfer reaction. The study of karboksüültransferaas enzymes is important for understanding metabolic regulation and for developing therapeutic strategies for diseases related to metabolic dysfunction.