adenine phosphoribosyltransferase
Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the purine salvage pathway. It catalyzes the conversion of adenine, a nitrogenous base, and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) into adenosine monophosphate (AMP). This process helps recycle adenine, allowing cells to efficiently use available resources.
Deficiency in APRT can lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites, resulting in health issues such as 2,8-dihydroxyadenine urolithiasis, a condition characterized by kidney stones. Understanding APRT's function is important for studying metabolic disorders and developing potential treatments for related conditions.