Importance of research on peptidylarginine deiminase and citrullinated proteins in age-related disease

Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2010 Jul:10 Suppl 1:S53-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2010.00593.x.

Abstract

Peptidylarginine deiminases (PAD) are a group of post-translational modification enzymes that citrullinate (deiminate) protein arginine residues in a calcium ion-dependent manner. Enzymatic citrullination abolishes positive charges of native protein molecules, inevitably causing significant alterations in their structure and functions. Citrullinated protein has an important physiological purpose; the formation of a cornified layer of skin that covers the human body. Despite this beneficial function, citrullinated protein also has a negative side, because this protein's accumulation in the brain is a possible cause of Alzheimer's disease. In the present review, we introduce PAD and their protein citrullination function, now considered critical for advancing research on aging and disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Citrulline / metabolism
  • Epidermis / physiology
  • Hippocampus / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Hydrolases / physiology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Keratinocytes / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Protein-Arginine Deiminases

Substances

  • Citrulline
  • Hydrolases
  • Protein-Arginine Deiminases