Human NMNAT2 Recombinant Protein

Description of Human NMNAT2 Recombinant Protein

Introduction

Human NMNAT2 (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Adenylyltransferase 2) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), an essential molecule for cellular energy metabolism and various biochemical reactions. NMNAT2 is encoded by the NMNAT2 gene located on chromosome 1 in humans. This gene is highly expressed in the brain and plays a crucial role in neuronal development and function. In recent years, NMNAT2 has gained attention as a potential drug target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Structure of Human NMNAT2

Human NMNAT2 is a 310 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of approximately 34 kDa. It belongs to the NMNAT family, which comprises three isoforms (NMNAT1, NMNAT2, and NMNAT3) in humans. NMNAT2 has a conserved N-terminal catalytic domain and a C-terminal regulatory domain. The catalytic domain is responsible for the enzyme’s activity, while the regulatory domain is involved in protein-protein interactions and subcellular localization.

Activity of Human NMNAT2

NMNAT2 catalyzes the conversion of NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) to NAD+ by transferring the adenylyl group from ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) to NMN. This reaction is the last step in the biosynthesis of NAD+ and is essential for maintaining cellular NAD+ levels. NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and the TCA cycle. It also serves as a substrate for enzymes involved in DNA repair and post-translational modifications.

Role of Human NMNAT2 in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Recent studies have shown that NMNAT2 plays a critical role in maintaining neuronal health and function. It is highly expressed in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex, regions involved in learning and memory. NMNAT2 has been shown to protect neurons from various stressors, including oxidative stress and protein misfolding, by maintaining NAD+ levels and promoting protein homeostasis. It also plays a crucial role in axonal maintenance and regeneration, making it a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.

Application of Human NMNAT2 Recombinant Protein

Recombinant proteins are proteins produced in a laboratory using genetic engineering techniques. Human NMNAT2 recombinant protein can be used for various applications, including drug discovery and development. It can be used to screen for potential NMNAT2 activators or inhibitors, which can modulate NAD+ levels and potentially treat neurodegenerative diseases. Recombinant NMNAT2 can also be used to study its structure and function, as well as its interactions with other proteins.

Drug Targeting NMNAT2 for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and cognitive decline. These diseases are associated with a decline in NAD+ levels, leading to impaired energy metabolism and increased oxidative stress. As NMNAT2 plays a crucial role in maintaining NAD+ levels and protecting neurons, targeting this enzyme has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.

Several studies have shown that increasing NMNAT2 expression or activity can protect neurons from various stressors and improve cognitive function in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, small molecule activators of NMNAT2 have been identified and shown to improve NAD+ levels and reduce neurodegeneration in animal models. These findings suggest that targeting NMNAT2 could be a promising approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.