Anti-HGD antibody

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

HGD also known as homogentisate oxidase is an important enzyme involved in the catabolism of aromatic amino acids like tyrosine and phenylalanine. This enzyme possesses a molecular mass of roughly 50 kDa. In the human body HGD is expressed predominantly in the liver and kidney tissues. Its primary role is to catalyze the conversion of homogentisic acid into maleylacetoacetic acid a vital step in the breakdown process of these amino acids.

Biological function summary

The role of HGD is essential in maintaining proper amino acid metabolism. It does not directly form part of larger enzymatic complexes but acts as a standalone enzyme that facilitates a specific reaction in the breakdown pathway. This specific reaction aids in preventing the accumulation of intermediary metabolites that could cause cellular toxicity. By regulating the levels of homogentisic acid HGD ensures cellular homeostasis is maintained.

Pathways

The function of HGD fits into several metabolic processes related to amino acid degradation. Most notably it operates within the tyrosine degradation pathway a critical series of reactions required for energy production and detoxification in the body. HGD activity is intricately linked with enzymes like tyrosine aminotransferase which helps initiate the tyrosine breakdown and fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase which serves in the terminal steps of this pathway.

Associated diseases and disorders

Improper functioning of HGD is directly associated with alkaptonuria a rare hereditary disorder causing the accumulation of homogentisic acid in body tissues. This condition often leads to arthritic complications and kidney stones. The dysfunction of this enzymatic pathway can also indirectly affect vitamin D metabolism highlighting the importance of HGD's efficient operation. In alkaptonuria the insufficient activity of HGD leads to an elevation of homogentisic acid affecting downstream pathways and interacting proteins critical for maintaining skeletal and renal health.