Biotin Protein Ligase

Biotin protein ligase (BPL), also known as biotin ligase or BirA, is an essential enzyme that catalyzes the covalent attachment of biotin to specific lysine residues on target proteins, primarily carboxylases involved in key metabolic pathways. It plays a crucial role in biotin-dependent metabolism and, in some bacteria, also regulates the expression of biotin synthesis genes. Mutations in human BPL lead to multiple carboxylase deficiency. Bacterial BPLs are potential targets for antibacterial drug development, while engineered BPLs find use in proximity labeling techniques like BioID.

Other names

Biotin ligaseBirABiotin holoenzyme synthetaseBiotin-[acetyl-CoA carboxylase] synthetaseBiotin operon repressor protein

Inhibition of biotin protein ligase activity to disrupt biotinylation of essential carboxylases.