Arsenate reductase (ArsC)

Arsenate reductase (ArsC) is an enzyme encoded by the arsC gene, found in bacteria such as *Escherichia coli* and *Staphylococcus aureus*. ArsC catalyzes the reduction of toxic arsenate (As(V)) to arsenite (As(III)), which can then be extruded from the cell. This reaction is a crucial component of prokaryotic resistance to arsenic compounds, allowing microorganism survival in arsenic-contaminated environments. The enzyme displays a unique protein fold and typically requires redox partners such as glutaredoxin or thioredoxin, depending on the bacterial species. ArsC is not directly targeted by any approved drugs, but inhibition could sensitize bacteria to arsenic toxicity, making it a possible target for environmental biotechnology or infectious disease control in specific organisms[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. It is not linked to human disease outside of its environmental context.

Other names

arsenate reductaseArsC protein

Catalyzes the reduction of **arsenate (As(V))** to **arsenite (As(III))** through a glutaredoxin-dependent or thioredoxin-dependent pathway, enabling bacterial resistance to arsenate toxicity[1][2][3][4][8].