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Transferase – Enzymes in Metabolism Explained

Transferases are enzymes that move chemical groups from one molecule to another. They play a central role in the metabolism of the human body.

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Things worth knowing about "Transferase"

Transferases are enzymes that move chemical groups from one molecule to another. They play a central role in the metabolism of the human body.

What is a Transferase?

Transferases are a large class of enzymes that transfer a specific chemical group – such as a phosphate, amino, methyl, or acyl group – from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule. The name derives from the Latin transferre (to transfer). According to the international enzyme classification (EC nomenclature), transferases belong to enzyme class 2 and are further divided into subclasses based on the type of group they transfer.

Function and Role in Metabolism

Transferases are involved in virtually every fundamental metabolic process in the human body. Without them, the body could neither produce energy nor build or break down essential molecules. Key functions include:

Energy metabolism: Kinases (a subgroup of transferases) transfer phosphate groups and are therefore central to the production of ATP, the universal energy carrier of the cell.
Amino group transfer (transamination): Aminotransferases (also called transaminases) transfer amino groups during the biosynthesis and breakdown of amino acids.
Methylation reactions: Methyltransferases are involved in gene regulation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and the detoxification of substances.
Biotransformation and detoxification: Glutathione S-transferases help the liver make foreign substances (e.g., drugs, toxins) water-soluble so they can be excreted.
DNA repair and epigenetics: DNA methyltransferases regulate gene activity by chemically modifying DNA without altering the base sequence.

Important Subclasses of Transferases

Kinases (Phosphotransferases)

Kinases transfer phosphate groups from ATP to a target molecule. They are involved in cell signaling, cell growth, and energy metabolism. Well-known examples include protein kinases, which serve as targets for drugs (so-called kinase inhibitors) in cancer therapy.

Aminotransferases (Transaminases)

Aminotransferases such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are primarily active in the liver. Elevated levels of these enzymes in the blood are an important indicator of liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis or liver cirrhosis.

Methyltransferases

These enzymes transfer methyl groups (CH₃) onto DNA, RNA, or proteins. They play a key role in epigenetics and the regulation of gene expression.

Acyltransferases

Acyltransferases transfer acyl groups and are involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, phospholipids, and other lipids that are essential for building cell membranes.

Glutathione S-Transferases

These transferases couple the body's own protective molecule glutathione to potentially harmful compounds. This makes toxic substances water-soluble so they can be excreted via the kidneys or bile.

Clinical Significance and Diagnostic Use

Transferases are of great importance in medical diagnostics. Since many of these enzymes are released into the bloodstream in larger quantities only when cells are damaged, elevated transferase levels in blood serum serve as important biomarkers for organ damage:

ALT and AST: Liver disease, heart attack, muscle damage
Gamma-GT (gamma-glutamyltransferase): Liver and biliary tract disease, alcohol abuse
Creatine kinase (CK): Cardiac muscle damage (e.g., heart attack), muscle diseases

In addition, transferases are important drug targets. Many cancer medications inhibit specific kinases to stop the uncontrolled growth of tumor cells.

Transferases and Disease

Disruptions in transferase function can lead to serious diseases. Examples include:

Galactosemia: An inherited deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase leads to the accumulation of galactose in the body, damaging the liver, brain, and eyes.
Cancer: Overactive or mutated kinases can lead to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.
Metabolic disorders: Defects in aminotransferases can significantly impair amino acid metabolism.

References

Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L., Stryer, L.: Biochemistry. 8th edition. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, 2015.
Lothar Thomas (Ed.): Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics. 1st English edition. TH-Books, Frankfurt am Main, 1998.
International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB): Enzyme Nomenclature. Available at: https://www.enzyme.expasy.org (accessed 2024).

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