Characterisation of a recombinant human cysteine dioxygenase

Abstract

Cysteine Dioxygenase is an enzyme that catalyses the reaction of cysteine to cysteinesulfinic acid and is thought to regulate the intracellular concentrations of its substrate. The enzyme may also be involved in the oxidation of exposed sulfidrils of protein and by implication, involved in cell signalling or regulation. Substrate and products of cysteine dioxygenase are known to be disrupted in a number of neurodegenerative diseases making the protein an important target for medical research. To date, the structure of the protein has not been solved. An understanding of its structure and reaction mechanism will further the understanding of the aetiology of a number of different pathologies. Its structure may also further the development of novel pharmacological drugs