Molecular Classification
Enzyme, NTDPase
Other Names
ATP-diphosphatase, Adenosine diphosphatase, ADPase, ATP diphosphohydrolase, Ectoapyrase, Somase, NTDPase
Disease Roles
Platelet aggregation (inhibition by arthropod saliva)

Apyrase Overview

Apyrase is a calcium- or magnesium-activated enzyme that catalyzes the sequential hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs), such as ATP, to their corresponding diphosphates (NDPs) and then to monophosphates (NMPs), releasing inorganic phosphate at each step. It is found in all eukaryotes and some prokaryotes. In blood-feeding arthropods' saliva, they inhibit host platelet aggregation by degrading extracellular ADP—a key mediator of platelet activation—thus facilitating blood feeding. In biotechnology, apyrases are used for degrading unincorporated nucleotides during DNA sequencing reactions such as pyrosequencing and serve as tools for studying purinergic signaling.

Mechanism of Action

Catalyzes the sequential hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) to their corresponding diphosphates (NDPs) and then to monophosphates (NMPs), releasing inorganic phosphate at each step.

Biological Functions

Hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) to nucleoside diphosphates (NDPs)
Hydrolysis of nucleoside diphosphates (NDPs) to nucleoside monophosphates (NMPs)
Regulation of extracellular nucleotide levels

Disease Associations

Platelet aggregation (inhibition by arthropod saliva)

Safety Considerations

No safety concerns listed