Transferase

History

Some of the most important discoveries relating to transferases occurred as early as the 1930s. Earliest discoveries of transferase activity occurred in other classifications of enzymes, including Beta-galactosidase, protease, and acid/base phosphatase. Prior to the realization that individual enzymes were capable of such a task, it was believed that two or more enzymes enacted functional group transfers.

Transamination, or the transfer of an amine (or NH₂) group from an amino acid to a keto acid by an aminotransferase (also known as a "transaminase"), was first noted in 1930 by D. M. Needham, after observing the disappearance of glutamic acid added to pigeon breast muscle. This observance was later verified by the discovery of its reaction mechanism by Braunstein and Kritzmann in 1937. Their analysis showed that this reversible reaction could be applied to other tissues. This assertion was validated by Rudolf Schoenheimer's work with radioisotopes as tracers in 1937. This in turn would pave the way for the possibility that similar transfers were a primary means of producing most amino acids via amino transfer.

Another such example of early transferase research and later reclassification involved the discovery of uridyl transferase. In 1953, the enzyme UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase was shown to be a transferase, when it was found that it could reversibly produce UTP and G1P from UDP-glucose and an organic pyrophosphate.

Another example of historical significance relating to transferase is the discovery of the mechanism of catecholamine breakdown by catechol-O-methyltransferase. This discovery was a large part of the reason for Julius Axelrod’s 1970 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (shared with Sir Bernard Katz and Ulf von Euler).

Classification of transferases continues to this day, with new ones being discovered frequently. An example of this is Pipe, a sulfotransferase involved in the dorsal-ventral patterning of Drosophilia. Initially, the exact mechanism of Pipe was unknown, due to a lack of information on its substrate. Research into Pipe's catalytic activity eliminated the likelihood of it being a heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan. Further research has shown that Pipe targets the ovarian structures for sulfation. Pipe is currently classified as a Drosophilia heparan sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase.

Nomenclature

Systematic names of transferases are constructed in the form of "donor:acceptor grouptransferase." For example, methylamine:L-glutamate N-methyltransferase would be the standard naming convention for the transferase methylamine-glutamate N-methyltransferase, where methylamine is the donor, L-glutamate is the acceptor, and methyltransferase is the EC category grouping. This same action by the transferase can be illustrated as follows:

However, other accepted names are more frequently used for transferases, and are often formed as "acceptor grouptransferase" or "donor grouptransferase." For example, a DNA methyltransferase is a transferase that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to a DNA acceptor. In practice, many molecules are not referred to using this terminology due to more prevalent common names. For example, RNA Polymerase is the modern common name for what was formerly known as RNA nucleotidyltransferase, a kind of nucleotidyl transferase that transfers nucleotides to the 3’ end of a growing RNA strand. In the EC system of classification, the accepted name for RNA Polymerase is DNA-directed RNA polymerase.

Classification

Described primarily based on the type of biochemical group transferred, transferases can be divided into ten categories (based on the EC Number classification). These categories comprise over 450 different unique enzymes. In the EC numbering system, transferases have been given a classification of EC2. Hydrogen is not considered a functional group when it comes to transferase targets; instead, hydrogen transfer is included under oxidoreductases, due to electron transfer considerations.

EC 2.1: single carbon transferases

EC 2.1 includes enzymes that transfer single-carbon groups. This category consists of transfers of methyl, hydroxymethyl, formyl, carboxy, carbamoyl, and amido groups. Carbamoyltransferases, as an example, transfer a carbamoyl group from one molecule to another. Carbamoyl groups follow the formula NH₂CO. In ATCase such a transfer is written as Carbamyl phosphate + L-aspertate → L-carbamyl aspartate + phosphate.

EC 2.2: aldehyde and ketone transferases

Enzymes that transfer aldehyde or ketone groups and included in EC 2.2. This category consists of various transketolases and transaldolases. Transaldolase, the namesake of aldehyde transferases, is an important part of the pentose phosphate pathway. The reaction it catalyzes consists of a transfer of a dihydroxyacetone functional group to Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (also known as G3P). The reaction is as follows: sedoheptulose 7-phosphate + glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate ⇌ erythrose 4-phosphate + fructose 6-phosphate.

EC 2.3: acyl transferases

Transfer of acyl groups or acyl groups that become alkyl groups during the process of being transferred are key aspects of EC 2.3. Further, this category also differentiates between amino-acyl and non-amino-acyl groups. Peptidyl transferase is a ribozyme that facilitates formation of peptide bonds during translation. As an aminoacyltransferase, it catalyzes the transfer of a peptide to an aminoacyl-tRNA, following this reaction: peptidyl-tRNA_A + aminoacyl-tRNA_B ⇌ tRNA_A + peptidyl aminoacyl-tRNA_B.

EC 2.4: glycosyl, hexosyl, and pentosyl transferases

EC 2.4 includes enzymes that transfer glycosyl groups, as well as those that transfer hexose and pentose. Glycosyltransferase is a subcategory of EC 2.4 transferases that is involved in biosynthesis of disaccharides and polysaccharides through transfer of monosaccharides to other molecules. An example of a prominent glycosyltransferase is lactose synthase which is a dimer possessing two protein subunits. Its primary action is to produce lactose from glucose and UDP-galactose. This occurs via the following pathway: UDP-β-D-galactose + D-glucose ⇌ UDP + lactose.

EC 2.5: alkyl and aryl transferases

EC 2.5 relates to enzymes that transfer alkyl or aryl groups, but does not include methyl groups. This is in contrast to functional groups that become alkyl groups when transferred, as those are included in EC 2.3. EC 2.5 currently only possesses one sub-class: Alkyl and aryl transferases. Cysteine synthase, for example, catalyzes the formation of acetic acids and cysteine from O₃-acetyl-L-serine and hydrogen sulfide: O₃-acetyl-L-serine + H₂S ⇌ L-cysteine + acetate.

EC 2.6: nitrogenous transferases

The grouping consistent with transfer of nitrogenous groups is EC 2.6. This includes enzymes like transaminase (also known as "aminotransferase"), and a very small number of oximinotransferases and other nitrogen group transferring enzymes. EC 2.6 previously included amidinotransferase but it has since been reclassified as a subcategory of EC 2.1 (single-carbon transferring enzymes). In the case of aspartate transaminase, which can act on tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, it reversibly transfers an amino group from one molecule to the other.

The reaction, for example, follows the following order: L-aspartate +2-oxoglutarate ⇌ oxaloacetate + L-glutamate.

EC 2.7: phosphorus transferases

While EC 2.7 includes enzymes that transfer phosphorus-containing groups, it also includes nuclotidyl transferases as well. Sub-category phosphotransferase is divided up in categories based on the type of group that accepts the transfer. Groups that are classified as phosphate acceptors include: alcohols, carboxy groups, nitrogenous groups, and phosphate groups. Further constituents of this subclass of transferases are various kinases. A prominent kinase is cyclin-dependent kinase (or CDK), which comprises a sub-family of protein kinases. As their name implies, CDKs are heavily dependent on specific cyclin molecules for activation. Once combined, the CDK-cyclin complex is capable of enacting its function within the cell cycle.

The reaction catalyzed by CDK is as follows: ATP + a target protein → ADP + a phosphoprotein.

EC 2.8: sulfur transferases

Transfer of sulfur-containing groups is covered by EC 2.8 and is subdivided into the subcategories of sulfurtransferases, sulfotransferases, and CoA-transferases, as well as enzymes that transfer alkylthio groups. A specific group of sulfotransferases are those that use PAPS as a sulfate group donor. Within this group is alcohol sulfotransferase which has a broad targeting capacity. Due to this, alcohol sulfotransferase is also known by several other names including "hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase," "steroid sulfokinase," and "estrogen sulfotransferase." Decreases in its activity has been linked to human liver disease. This transferase acts via the following reaction: 3'-phosphoadenylyl sulfate + an alcohol ⇌ adenosine 3',5'bisphosphate + an alkyl sulfate.

EC 2.9: selenium transferases

EC 2.9 includes enzymes that transfer selenium-containing groups. This category only contains two transferases, and thus is one of the smallest categories of transferase. Selenocysteine synthase, which was first added to the classification system in 1999, converts seryl-tRNA(Sec UCA) into selenocysteyl-tRNA(Sec UCA).

EC 2.10: metal transferases

The category of EC 2.10 includes enzymes that transfer molybdenum or tungsten-containing groups. However, as of 2011, only one enzyme has been added: molybdopterin molybdotransferase. This enzyme is a component of MoCo biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. The reaction it catalyzes is as follows: adenylyl-molybdopterin + molybdate → molybdenum cofactor + AMP.

Role in histo-blood group

The A and B transferases are the foundation of the human ABO blood group system. Both A and B transferases are glycosyltransferases, meaning they transfer a sugar molecule onto an H-antigen. This allows H-antigen to synthesize the glycoprotein and glycolipid conjugates that are known as the A/B antigens. The full name of A transferase is alpha 1-3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase and its function in the cell is to add N-acetylgalactosamine to H-antigen, creating A-antigen. The full name of B transferase is alpha 1-3-galactosyltransferase, and its function in the cell is to add a galactose molecule to H-antigen, creating B-antigen.

It is possible for Homo sapiens to have any of four different blood types: Type A (express A antigens), Type B (express B antigens), Type AB (express both A and B antigens) and Type O (express neither A nor B antigens). The gene for A and B transferases is located on chromosome 9. The gene contains seven exons and six introns and the gene itself is over 18kb long. The alleles for A and B transferases are extremely similar. The resulting enzymes only differ in 4 amino acid residues. The differing residues are located at positions 176, 235, 266, and 268 in the enzymes.

Deficiencies

Transferase deficiencies are at the root of many common illnesses. The most common result of a transferase deficiency is a buildup of a cellular product.

SCOT deficiency

Succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid CoA transferase deficiency (or SCOT deficiency) leads to a buildup of ketones. Ketones are created upon the breakdown of fats in the body and are an important energy source. Inability to utilize ketones leads to intermittent ketoacidosis, which usually first manifests during infancy. Disease sufferers experience nausea, vomiting, inability to feed, and breathing difficulties. In extreme cases, ketoacidosis can lead to coma and death. The deficiency is caused by mutation in the gene OXTC1. Treatments mostly rely on controlling the diet of the patient.

CPT-II deficiency

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency (also known as CPT-II deficiency) leads to an excess long chain fatty acids, as the body lacks the ability to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria to be processed as a fuel source. The disease is caused by a defect in the gene CPT2. This deficiency will present in patients in one of three ways: lethal neonatal, severe infantile hepatocardiomuscular, and myopathic form. The myopathic is the least severe form of the deficiency and can manifest at any point in the lifespan of the patient. The other two forms appear in infancy. Common symptoms of the lethal neonatal form and the severe infantile forms are liver failure, heart problems, seizures and death. The myopathic form is characterized by muscle pain and weakness following vigorous exercise. Treatment generally includes dietary modifications and carnitine supplements.

Galactosemia

Galactosemia results from an inability to process galactose, a simple sugar. This deficiency occurs when the gene for galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) has any number of mutations, leading to a deficiency in the amount of GALT produced. There are two forms of Galactosemia: classic and Duarte. Duarte galactosemia is generally less severe than classic galactosemia and is caused by a deficiency of galactokinase. Galactosemia renders infants unable to process the sugars in breast milk, which leads to vomiting and anorexia within days of birth. Most symptoms of the disease are caused by a buildup of galactose-1-phosphate in the body. Common symptoms include liver failure, sepsis, failure to grow, and mental impairment, among others. Buildup of a second toxic substance, galactitol, occurs in the lenses of the eyes, causing cataracts. Currently, the only available treatment is early diagnosis followed by adherence to a diet devoid of lactose, and prescription of antibiotics for infections that may develop.

Choline acetyltransferase deficiencies

Choline acetyltransferase (also known as ChAT or CAT) is an important enzyme which produces the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is involved in many neuropsychic functions such as memory, attention, sleep and arousal. The enzyme is globular in shape and consists of a single amino acid chain. ChAT functions to transfer an acetyl group from acetyl co-enzyme A to choline in the synapses of nerve cells and exists in two forms: soluble and membrane bound. The ChAT gene is located on chromosome 10.

Alzheimer's disease

Decreased expression of ChAT is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Patients with Alzheimer's disease show a 30 to 90% reduction in activity in several regions of the brain, including the temporal lobe, the parietal lobe and the frontal lobe. However, ChAT deficiency is not believed to be the main cause of this disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease)

Patients with ALS show a marked decrease in ChAT activity in motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. Low levels of ChAT activity are an early indication of the disease and are detectable long before motor neurons begin to die. This can even be detected before the patient is symptomatic.

Huntington's disease

Patients with Huntington's also show a marked decrease in ChAT production. Though the specific cause of the reduced production is not clear, it is believed that the death of medium-sized motor neurons with spiny dendrites leads to the lower levels of ChAT production.

Schizophrenia

Patients with Schizophrenia also exhibit decreased levels of ChAT, localized to the mesopontine tegment of the brain and the nucleus accumbens, which is believed to correlate with the decreased cognitive functioning experienced by these patients.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Recent studies have shown that SIDS infants show decreased levels of ChAT in both the hypothalamus and the striatum. SIDS infants also display fewer neurons capable of producing ChAT in the vagus system. These defects in the medulla could lead to an inability to control essential autonomic functions such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS)

CMS is a family of diseases that are characterized by defects in neuromuscular transmission which leads to recurrent bouts of apnea (inability to breathe) that can be fatal. ChAT deficiency is implicated in myasthenia syndromes where the transition problem occurs presynaptically. These syndromes are characterized by the patients’ inability to resynthesize acetylcholine.

Terminal transferases

Terminal transferases are transferases that can be used to label DNA or to produce plasmid vectors. It accomplishes both of these tasks by adding deoxynucleotides in the form of a template to the downstream end or 3' end of an existing DNA molecule. Terminal transferase is one of the few DNA polymerases that can function without an RNA primer.

Glutathione transferases

The family of glutathione transferases (GST) is extremely diverse, and therefore can be used for a number of biotechnological purposes. Plants use glutathione transferases as a means to segregate toxic metals from the rest of the cell. These glutathione transferases can be used to create biosensors to detect contaminants such as herbicides and insecticides. Glutathione transferases are also used in transgenic plants to increase resistance to both biotic and abiotic stress. Glutathione transferases are currently being explored as targets for anti-cancer medications due to their role in drug resistance. Further, glutathione transferase genes have been investigated due to their ability to prevent oxidative damage and have shown improved resistance in transgenic cultigens.

Rubber transferases

Currently the only available commercial source of natural rubber is the Hevea plant (Hevea brasiliensis). Natural rubber is superior to synthetic rubber in a number of commercial uses. Efforts are being made to produce transgenic plants capable of synthesizing natural rubber, including tobacco and sunflower. These efforts are focused on sequencing the subunits of the rubber transferase enzyme complex in order to transfect these genes into other plants.