Is transketolase-like protein, TKTL1, transketolase?

Until recently it was assumed that the transketolase-like protein (TKTL1) detected in the tumor tissue, is catalytically active mutant form of human transketolase (hTKT). Human TKT shares 61% sequence identity with TKTL1. And the two proteins are 77% homologous at the amino acid level.

Computer modeling of transketolase-like protein, TKTL1, a marker of certain tumor tissues.

A computer model of the spatial structure of transketolase-like protein (TKTL1), a marker of certain tumor tissues, has been constructed using the known spatial structure of transketolase found in normal human tissues. The structure of the two proteins at all levels of their organization has also been compared. On the basis of the revealed differences in structures of these proteins, we assume it is unlikely that TKTL1 can be a thiamine diphosphate-dependent protein capable of catalyzing the transketolase reaction.

Interaction of transketolase from human tissues with substrates.

The Michaelis constant values for substrates of transketolase from human tissues were determined over a wide range of substrate concentrations. It is shown that K(m) values determined by other authors are significantly overestimated and explained why this is so.

Isolation and properties of human transketolase.

Recombinant human (His)(6)-transketolase (hTK) was obtained in preparative amounts by heterologous expression of the gene encoding human transketolase in Escherichia coli cells. The enzyme, isolated in the form of a holoenzyme, was homogeneous by SDS-PAGE; a method for obtaining the apoenzyme was also developed. The amount of active transketolase in the isolated protein preparation was correlated with the content of thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) determined in the same preparation.

Halogenated pyruvate derivatives as substrates of transketolase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Pyruvate derivatives halogenated at C3 were shown to be donor substrates in the transketolase reaction. No drastic differences between the derivatives were observed in the value of the catalytic constant, whereas the Michaelis constant increased in the following order: Br-pyruvate < Cl-pyruvate < Cl2-pyruvate < F-pyruvate < Br2-pyruvate. The presence of the halogenated pyruvate derivatives increased the affinity of apotransketolase for the coenzyme; of note, the extent of this effect was equal with both of the active centers of the enzyme.