Glutamate decarboxylase 2 is an
enzyme
Enzymes () are proteins that act as biological catalysts by accelerating chemical reactions. The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrate (chemistry), substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different molecule ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''GAD2''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "... Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a b ...
.
This gene encodes one of several forms of
glutamic acid decarboxylase
Glutamate decarboxylase or glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is an enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of glutamate to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and carbon dioxide (). GAD uses pyridoxal-phosphate (PLP) as a cofactor. The reaction ...
, identified as a major
autoantigen
In immunology, autoimmunity is the system of immune responses of an organism against its own healthy cells, tissues and other normal body constituents. Any disease resulting from this type of immune response is termed an " autoimmune disease". ...
in insulin-dependent
diabetes
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased ...
. The enzyme encoded is responsible for catalyzing the production of
gamma-aminobutyric acid from L-glutamic acid. A pathogenic role for this
enzyme
Enzymes () are proteins that act as biological catalysts by accelerating chemical reactions. The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrate (chemistry), substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different molecule ...
has been identified in the human pancreas since it has been identified as an autoantibody and an autoreactive
T cell
A T cell is a type of lymphocyte. T cells are one of the important white blood cells of the immune system and play a central role in the adaptive immune response. T cells can be distinguished from other lymphocytes by the presence of a T-cell ...
target in insulin-dependent diabetes. This gene may also play a role in the
stiff-person syndrome.
Interactions
GAD2 has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizat ...
with
GAD1
Glutamate decarboxylase 1 (brain, 67kDa) (GAD67), also known as GAD1, is a human gene.
This gene encodes one of several forms of glutamic acid decarboxylase, identified as a major autoantigen in insulin-dependent diabetes. The enzyme encoded is r ...
.
See also
*
Glutamate decarboxylase
References
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