Abstract
Adenosine deaminase (ADA, E.C. 3.5.4.4) is an enzyme of the purine metabolism that converts adenosine (Ado) and 2'deoxyadenosine (dAdo) into inosine and 2'deoxyinosine, respectively. The enzyme has been the object of considerable interest because the congenital defect causes severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). In the past 12 years, ADA, which was considered to be cytosolic, has been found on the surface of many cells; therefore, it has to be also considered as an ecto-enzyme (ecto-ADA). There is recent evidence about a specific role for ecto-ADA that is different from that of intracellular ADA. Apart from degrading extracellular Ado or dAdo, which are toxic for lymphocytes and other cells, ecto-ADA has got an extraenzymatic function by means of its interaction with cell surface proteins. The interactions in which ecto-ADA participates are summarized, and an overview of the known and suspected extraenzymatic roles for ecto-ADA is presented.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
