HMBS

This gene encodes a member of the hydroxymethylbilane synthase superfamily. The encoded protein is the third enzyme of the heme biosynthetic pathway and catalyzes the head to tail condensation of four porphobilinogen molecules into the linear hydroxymethylbilane. Mutations in this gene are associated with the autosomal dominant disease acute intermittent porphyria. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Full Name

Hydroxymethylbilane Synthase

Function

As part of the heme biosynthetic pathway, catalyzes the sequential polymerization of four molecules of porphobilinogen to form hydroxymethylbilane, also known as preuroporphyrinogen (PubMed:18936296, PubMed:19138865, PubMed:23815679).

Catalysis begins with the assembly of the dipyrromethane cofactor by the apoenzyme from two molecules of porphobilinogen or from preuroporphyrinogen. The covalently linked cofactor acts as a primer, around which the tetrapyrrole product is assembled. In the last step of catalysis, the product, preuroporphyrinogen, is released, leaving the cofactor bound to the holodeaminase intact (PubMed:18936296).

Biological Process

Heme biosynthetic process Source: UniProtKB
Peptidyl-pyrromethane cofactor linkage Source: InterPro
Protoporphyrinogen IX biosynthetic process Source: UniProtKB-UniPathway

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm

Involvement in disease

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP):
A form of porphyria. Porphyrias are inherited defects in the biosynthesis of heme, resulting in the accumulation and increased excretion of porphyrins or porphyrin precursors. They are classified as erythropoietic or hepatic, depending on whether the enzyme deficiency occurs in red blood cells or in the liver. AIP is an autosomal dominant form of hepatic porphyria characterized by attacks of gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal colic, with neurological dysfunctions, hypertension, tachycardia and peripheral neuropathy. Most attacks are precipitated by drugs, alcohol, caloric deprivation, infections, or endocrine factors.