CHOLINE KINASE Meaning and
Definition
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Choline kinase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC), the major phospholipid in cellular membranes. It belongs to the family of transferases, specifically those transferring phosphorus-containing groups (phosphotransferases), and is involved in the conversion of choline, a small nutrient molecule, into phosphocholine.
The process of choline phosphorylation by choline kinase is the first and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of PC. It occurs in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, although slight variations might exist between organisms. Choline kinase utilizes ATP as a cofactor in the phosphorylation reaction, facilitating the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to choline, resulting in the production of phosphocholine.
Phosphocholine generated by choline kinase acts as a precursor for the synthesis of PC, an essential component of cell membranes. PC is involved in various cellular processes, including the formation of lipid bilayers, signal transduction, and cell signaling. Moreover, PC serves as a reservoir for the generation of signaling molecules and is vital for the maintenance of cellular membrane integrity and function.
Aberrant choline kinase activity has been associated with several pathological conditions, including cancer, where increased expression of choline kinase is often observed. Consequently, choline kinase inhibitors have emerged as potential targets for anticancer therapies, as their inhibition can disrupt PC synthesis and hinder tumor growth and progression. In summary, choline kinase is an enzyme that regulates the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a fundamental phospholipid essential for cellular membrane structure and function.
Common Misspellings for CHOLINE KINASE
- xholine kinase
- vholine kinase
- fholine kinase
- dholine kinase
- cgoline kinase
- cboline kinase
- cnoline kinase
- cjoline kinase
- cuoline kinase
- cyoline kinase
- chiline kinase
- chkline kinase
- chlline kinase
- chpline kinase
- ch0line kinase
- ch9line kinase
- chokine kinase
- chopine kinase
- chooine kinase
- cholune kinase
Etymology of CHOLINE KINASE
The word "choline kinase" consists of two parts: "choline" and "kinase".
- "Choline" refers to a nitrogenous compound, often classified as a vitamin-like substance, that plays a crucial role in various biological processes. The term "choline" is derived from the Greek word "chole", which means "bile" due to its initial discovery in bile.
- "Kinase" is a general term used to describe enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group from a donor molecule, typically ATP (adenosine triphosphate), to a recipient molecule, known as a substrate. "Kinase" is derived from the Greek word "kinesis", which means "movement" or "motion".
Therefore, "choline kinase" refers to the enzyme that transfers a phosphate group from ATP to choline, resulting in the synthesis of phosphorylcholine.
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