Heme Assay Kit

Supplementary information

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

Heme often referred to as haem is a small molecule with a mass of approximately 616.5 g/mol. This iron-containing porphyrin is an essential component of various hemoproteins which include hemoglobin and myoglobin. Heme is expressed in several tissues predominantly within the liver bone marrow and muscles. It plays an important role in oxygen transportation and storage serving as the prosthetic group that enables hemoglobin to carry oxygen efficiently.

Biological function summary

Heme plays a critical role in several cellular processes beyond oxygen transport. It functions as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions involving enzymes like cytochrome P450 and catalase. As part of the cytochrome complex it aids in electron transfer during mitochondrial electron transport chain processes important for ATP production. The concentration of heme within cells is tightly regulated through synthesis and degradation pathways ensuring cellular functions maintain balance.

Pathways

Heme influences cellular functions particularly in the heme biosynthesis and degradation pathways. In the biosynthesis pathway it interacts with various enzymes including ALAS1 and ferrochelatase to produce heme from simpler precursors. Additionally in degradation the heme oxygenase enzyme converts heme into biliverdin free iron and carbon monoxide. Proteins like globins associate with heme in the reversible binding of oxygen facilitating its role in respiratory processes.

Heme is strongly associated with conditions such as porphyrias and anemia. Porphyrias arise from defects in heme biosynthesis enzymes leading to toxic accumulation of precursors. Anemia can result from defects in hemoglobin where insufficient heme production impacts oxygen transport. The heme concentration affects proteins like hemoglobin and other heme-containing enzymes which are implicated in these diseases. Understanding heme's role in these contexts informs therapeutic strategies utilizing tools like the heme assay and heme assay kit for diagnostic and research purposes.