XDH : xanthine dehydrogenase
Description
The XDH (xanthine dehydrogenase) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
The XDH gene provides instructions for making xanthine dehydrogenase, an enzyme crucial for the breakdown of purines, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Specifically, XDH carries out the final two steps in this process: converting hypoxanthine to xanthine and then xanthine to uric acid, a waste product eliminated through urine and feces. XDH is extensively studied as it can contribute to the production of superoxide radicals, which are byproducts of normal cell processes and must be broken down to prevent cell damage. Superoxide radicals are linked to various diseases, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Although research suggests XDH may play a role in milk production in women, its specific involvement in lactation remains unclear.
Xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) is a key enzyme in the breakdown of purines, catalyzing the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid, a waste product excreted in urine and feces. XDH also contributes to the generation of reactive oxygen species, which are byproducts of normal cell processes. Additionally, it exhibits low oxidase activity towards aldehydes in vitro.
XDH is also known as XAN1, XO, XOR.
