Carbonic anhydrase 14 (CA XIV) (CA XIV)

Carbonic anhydrase 14 (CA XIV) is a transmembrane zinc metalloenzyme that plays a critical role in the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to form bicarbonate and protons [1, 5]. It is uniquely characterized as a type I membrane protein with its catalytic domain positioned extracellularly, enabling the regulation of extracellular pH in specialized tissues such as the brain, retina, and kidneys [1, 3, 6]. In the central nervous system, CA XIV is localized on neurons and glial cells, where it buffers pH changes during synaptic transmission and modulates neuronal excitability, making it a relevant target for managing epilepsy [1, 8]. In the eyes, it is essential for normal retinal light responses and regulates aqueous humor production, which is significant for glaucoma management [6, 17]. In renal physiology, CA XIV facilitates bicarbonate reabsorption and urinary acidification in the proximal tubules [2, 13]. Clinically, CA XIV is inhibited by non-selective sulfonamides such as acetazolamide, which are used to treat conditions ranging from glaucoma and high-altitude sickness to certain seizure disorders [14, 15, 18]. However, the development of drugs targeting CA XIV is often hindered by a lack of isoform selectivity, which can lead to systemic side effects like metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalances [17, 18]. Researchers also investigate CA XIV as a potential biomarker for tumor hypoxia and other metabolic dysregulations [12, 13, 23].

Other names

Carbonic anhydrase XIVCA14Carbonate dehydratase 14CA-XIVCAXiV

Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase enzymatic activity by reversible binding to the catalytic zinc ion, preventing the hydration of carbon dioxide.