Enzymes
Product List
DsbC
Disulfide-Bond Isomerase Recombinant
PDI Human
Protein Disulfide Isomerase Human Recombinant
PDIA3 Human
Protein Disulfide Isomerase A3 Human Recombinant
PDIA3 Human, Active
Protein Disulfide Isomerase A3 Human Recombinant, Active
TOP1 Bovine
DNA Topoisomerase-I Bovine
TOP1 Human
DNA Topoisomerase-I Human Recombinant
TPI1 Human
Triosephosphate Isomerase 1 Human Recombinant
TPI1 Human, Active
Triosephosphate Isomerase 1 Human Recombinant, Active
Introduction
Isomerases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the conversion of molecules from one isomer to another. This process involves intramolecular rearrangements where bonds are broken and formed, resulting in a product with the same molecular formula but different structural or spatial arrangements . Isomerases are classified into several subcategories based on the type of isomerization they catalyze:
- Racemases and Epimerases: Catalyze the conversion of one stereoisomer to another.
- Cis-trans Isomerases: Catalyze the conversion between cis and trans isomers.
- Intramolecular Lyases: Catalyze the breaking and forming of bonds within a molecule.
- Intramolecular Transferases: Transfer functional groups within a molecule.
- Intramolecular Oxidoreductases: Catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions within a molecule .
Isomerases exhibit diverse biological properties, including their expression patterns and tissue distribution. These enzymes are typically proteins with specific three-dimensional structures that enable their catalytic activity . The expression of isomerases can vary significantly across different tissues and developmental stages, reflecting their specialized roles in various biological processes. For example, glucose isomerase is widely distributed in bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and plants .
Isomerases play crucial roles in numerous biological functions. They are involved in essential metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and carbohydrate metabolism . For instance, glucose isomerase catalyzes the reversible isomerization of D-glucose and D-xylose to D-fructose and D-xylulose, respectively . Additionally, isomerases can participate in immune responses and pathogen recognition by facilitating the structural rearrangement of molecules involved in these processes .
The mechanisms of action of isomerases involve interactions with other molecules and cells. These enzymes typically bind to their substrates through specific active sites, facilitating the conversion of one isomer to another . For example, glucose isomerase binds to glucose and catalyzes its conversion to fructose through a series of intramolecular rearrangements . The downstream signaling cascades triggered by isomerase activity can vary depending on the specific enzyme and its role in the cell.
The expression and activity of isomerases are tightly regulated through various mechanisms. Transcriptional regulation involves the control of gene expression at the level of transcription, ensuring that isomerases are produced in response to specific cellular needs . Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation, can also modulate the activity and stability of isomerases . These regulatory mechanisms ensure that isomerases function optimally within the cellular environment.
Isomerases have numerous applications in biomedical research, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic strategies. For example, glucose isomerase is extensively used in the industrial production of high-fructose corn syrup and bioethanol . In biomedical research, isomerases are employed to study metabolic pathways and enzyme kinetics. Additionally, isomerases can serve as diagnostic markers for certain diseases and as targets for therapeutic interventions .
Isomerases play vital roles throughout the life cycle, from development to aging and disease. During development, isomerases are involved in key metabolic processes that support growth and differentiation . In aging, the activity of isomerases can influence cellular metabolism and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of isomerase activity has been implicated in various diseases, including metabolic disorders and cancer .
