Alexa Fluor® 647 Anti-Aspartate Aminotransferase + FABP-1 antibody [EPR12145]

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Aspartate Aminotransferase also known as AST or alkaline aminotransferase is an important enzyme in amino acid metabolism. It catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from aspartate to alpha-ketoglutarate forming glutamate and oxaloacetate. This enzyme has an approximate molecular mass of 46 kDa and is expressed in the liver heart skeletal muscle and kidney tissues. AST plays a significant role in the intracellular balance of amino acids and is an important biomarker in clinical diagnostics.

Biological function summary

AST functions in the transamination process a mechanism central to the synthesis and degradation of amino acids. This process is fundamental in the production of energy and the maintenance of the urea cycle. AST does not form a part of a complex but interacts dynamically with substrates and cofactors like pyridoxal phosphate essential for its enzymatic activity. The activity of AST is important in ensuring the proper function of amino acid metabolism in various tissues.

Pathways

AST operates within the citric acid cycle and the urea cycle. In the citric acid cycle AST contributes to the interconversion of amino acids and metabolic intermediates aiding in energy production. It links to proteins such as malate dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase which play roles in associated metabolic conversions and energy cycles. These interactions reflect AST's integration in maintaining cellular metabolic processes.

Associated diseases and disorders

AST levels serve as an indicator of liver health and are often elevated in conditions such as hepatitis and myocardial infarction. Hepatitis causes liver damage resulting in increased AST release into the bloodstream. In myocardial infarction damaged cardiac tissue releases AST providing a diagnostic cue for tissue injury. Elevated AST levels can associate with other enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) used together to assess liver and heart function.