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Ornithine decarboxylase

Function

Catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of polyamine biosynthesis that converts ornithine into putrescine, which is the precursor for the polyamines, spermidine and spermine. Polyamines are essential for cell proliferation and are implicated in cellular processes, ranging from DNA replication to apoptosis.

Involvement in disease

Bachmann-Bupp syndrome

BABS

An autosomal dominant disorder characterized by global developmental delay, alopecia, absolute or relative macrocephaly, and facial dysmorphism. Neuroimaging shows white matter abnormalities, prominent Virchow-Robin spaces, periventricular cysts, and abnormalities of the corpus callosum.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. BABS is due to truncating variants that lead to a gain of function. This phenomenon apparently results from truncation proximal to or involving the C-terminal region of ODC1 protein, distal enough to allow escape from nonsense-mediated decay. A gain of function is corroborated by elevated plasma levels of N-acetylputrescine, with otherwise normal polyamine levels, in affected individuals.

Pathway

Amine and polyamine biosynthesis; putrescine biosynthesis via L-ornithine pathway; putrescine from L-ornithine: step 1/1.

Post-translational modifications

S-Nitrosylation inhibits the enzyme. S-Nitrosylated in vitro on 4 cysteine residues.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the Orn/Lys/Arg decarboxylase class-II family.

Alternative names

Ornithine decarboxylase, ODC, ODC1

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Metabolism

Molecular weight

51148Da