Glutaminase (GLS) Activity Assay Kit (Fluorometric)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Glutaminase also known as GLS or GLS1 is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glutamine to glutamate an important step in cellular nitrogen and energy metabolism. This enzyme weighs approximately 65 kDa and is expressed in various tissues particularly in the brain kidney and liver. Glutaminase exists in two isoforms GLS1 and GLS2 with GLS1 being the more studied due to its role in cancer metabolism.

Biological function summary

Glutaminase plays a central role in cellular processes by facilitating the production of glutamate which is an important neurotransmitter in the brain and a precursor for the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is not part of a larger complex but acts independently in the mitochondrial matrix where it performs the glutaminase reaction. The activity of this enzyme is monitored closely because it affects multiple cellular functions and has implications in many diseases.

Pathways

Glutaminase is instrumental in the glutaminolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycles. These pathways are essential for cellular energy production and biosynthesis. GLS1 activity influences other proteins such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) which also play roles in amino acid metabolism and energy production. Glutaminase inhibitors have been explored as potential therapeutic agents by disrupting the glutaminolysis pathway in cancer cells leading to decreased tumor growth.

Associated diseases and disorders

Glutaminase has a significant link to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In cancer GLS1 activity is often upregulated as tumor cells require increased glutamine metabolism for growth and survival making GLS1 inhibitors a target in cancer therapy. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease also show altered glutamate levels implicating glutaminase in disease progression. These disorders highlight the enzyme's potential connections with proteins like NMDA receptors in the brain where glutamate acts as a neurotransmitter affecting synaptic activity.