Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX)

Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) is an integral membrane enzyme located in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. It catalyzes the posttranslational modification of specific glutamate residues to gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla) in vitamin K-dependent proteins. This modification is essential for the biological activity of these proteins, many of which are involved in blood coagulation, bone metabolism, vascular calcification, and other physiological processes. GGCX uses reduced vitamin K, carbon dioxide, and oxygen as cofactors to carboxylate glutamate residues. Mutations in GGCX can cause bleeding disorders and connective tissue abnormalities.

Other names

VKD carboxylaseVitamin-K dependent gamma-carboxylase

Vitamin K antagonists inhibit GGCX by interfering with the vitamin K cycle, thereby reducing the carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins.