Overview
Human carbonic anhydrase are zinc metalloenzymes that catalyze the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide. This protein contains a zinc ion and 260 amino acid residues. Human carbonic anhydrase activation has been associated with cardiomyopathy in diabetics.[1] In diabetic patents with postinfarct heart failure it was found that their level of human carbonic anhyrase 1 was significantly higher then the levels of non-diabetics.[1] Developing an inhibitor for human carbonic anhydrase 1 is contributing to the treatment of these diseases.[2]
Function
Human carbonic anhydrase 1 is found in cytosol of red blood cells, GI tract and cardiac tissue.[3] It participates in biological processes like cellular respiration, calcification, pH balance and bone resorption.[3] It also participates in the formation of cerebrospinal fluid, saliva and gastic acid.[3]
Structural highlights
A predominant structural are the .[4] An important feature of the is that they are that had previously been expected to exist.[4]