Enzymatic reactions

Enzymatic reactions are the fundamental chemical transformations catalyzed by enzymes that sustain biological life by accelerating metabolic, signaling, and structural processes [1]. These reactions involve the conversion of substrates into products through a transition state, usually occurring within a highly specific active site of an enzyme [2]. In a pharmacological context, the term 'Enzymatic reactions' is considered an incorrect or overly broad target name because it refers to a general biological process rather than a specific, targetable molecular entity like a protein or receptor [3]. While individual enzymes such as kinases, proteases, and oxidoreductases are critical therapeutic targets, the broader category of enzymatic activity encompasses thousands of distinct pathways [4]. Diseases often result from the dysregulation of these reactions, and drug development focuses on identifying specific enzymes within these pathways to restore physiological balance and minimize off-target effects [5].

Other names

BiocatalysisEnzyme catalysisBiochemical reactionsEnzymatic activity

Therapeutic agents typically modulate enzymatic reactions by acting as inhibitors (competitive, non-competitive, or allosteric) or activators of the specific enzymes facilitating the reaction [1][2].