Adenosine-processing enzymes

Adenosine-processing enzymes are a set of metabolic enzymes that regulate the extracellular and intracellular concentrations of adenosine, a crucial purine nucleoside involved in energy transfer, signal transduction, and neuromodulation. Key enzymes include adenosine deaminase (converts adenosine to inosine), adenosine kinase (phosphorylates adenosine to AMP), and purine nucleoside phosphorylase, as well as ecto-nucleotidases such as ecto-5′-nucleotidase (which generates adenosine from AMP)[1][2][4]. Deficiency or dysregulation of these enzymes is implicated in human disease, including immunodeficiency (ADA deficiency), epilepsy (ADK overexpression), and metabolic, neurological, or inflammatory disorders. Drugs modulating these enzymes can regulate adenosine's tissue-protective, anti-inflammatory, or immunosuppressive effects[2][4].

Other names

Adenosine metabolic enzymesPurine metabolism enzymes

Enzyme inhibition (e.g., adenosine deaminase inhibitors, adenosine kinase inhibitors) Enzyme replacement Modulation of adenosine bioavailability through transporter blockade