Identification of a New Non-Purple Acid Phosphatase
Author Information
Author(s): Hadler Kieran S, Huber Thomas, Cassady A Ian, Weber Jane, Robinson Jodie, Burrows Allan, Kelly Gregory, Guddat Luke W, Hume David A, Schenk Gerhard, Flanagan Jack U
Primary Institution: The University of Queensland
Hypothesis
Is there an evolutionary link between tartrate-resistant acid phosphatases and Ser/Thr protein phosphatases?
Conclusion
The identified gene product may represent an evolutionary link between TRAcPs and Ser/Thr protein phosphatases, but its biological function is currently unknown.
Supporting Evidence
- The new gene product is found in various animal species and is present in all tissues sampled.
- The active site of the new enzyme has six metal-coordinating ligands identical to those in the TRAcP family.
- The identified gene product has low sequence identity with known TRAcPs but shows significant evolutionary conservation.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new enzyme that is related to a family of proteins involved in breaking down phosphate, but it doesn't have the purple color that some of its relatives do.
Methodology
The study involved identifying and characterizing a new human gene product through database searches and sequence alignments.
Limitations
The biological function of the new enzyme is unknown and it is unlikely to be associated with bone metabolism.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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