Summary of CAT
The CAT gene encodes pieces (subunits) of an enzyme called catalase, a key antioxidant enzyme in the bodies defense against oxidative stress.
Catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) molecules into oxygen (O2) and water (H2O) and thereby mitigates the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide; high levels of catalase is toxic to cells (R, R).
Catalase is a heme enzyme that is present in the peroxisome of nearly all aerobic cells.
The Function of CAT
Occurs in almost all aerobically respiring organisms and serves to protect cells from the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide. Promotes growth of cells including T-cells, B-cells, myeloid leukemia cells, melanoma cells, mastocytoma cells and normal and transformed fibroblast cells.
Protein names
Recommended name:
Catalase- RS1001179 (CAT) ??
- RS10836235 (CAT) ??
- RS2300181 (CAT) ??
- RS480575 (CAT) ??
- RS769214 (CAT) ??
- RS769217 (CAT) ??
- RS7943316 (CAT) ??
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Top Gene-Substance Interactions
CAT Interacts with These Diseases
| Disease | Score |
Substances That Increase CAT
| Substances | Interaction | Organism | Category |
Substances That Decrease CAT
| Substances | Interaction | Organism | Category |
Advanced Summary
The CAT gene provides instructions for making pieces (subunits) of an enzyme called catalase. Four identical subunits, each attached (bound) to an iron-containing molecule called a heme group, form the functional enzyme. Catalase is active in cells and tissues throughout the body, where it breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) molecules into oxygen (O2) and water (H2O).
Hydrogen peroxide is produced through chemical reactions within cells. At low levels, it is involved in several chemical signaling pathways, but at high levels it is toxic to cells. If hydrogen peroxide is not broken down by catalase, additional reactions convert it into compounds called reactive oxygen species that can damage DNA, proteins, and cell membranes.
A shortage of this enzyme can allow hydrogen peroxide to build up to toxic levels in certain cells. For example, hydrogen peroxide produced by bacteria in the mouth may accumulate in and damage soft tissues, leading to mouth ulcers and gangrene. A buildup of hydrogen peroxide may also damage beta cells of the pancreas, which release a hormone called insulin that helps control blood sugar. Malfunctioning beta cells are thought to underlie the increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people with acatalasemia. It is unclear why some people have no health problems associated with a shortage of catalase activity.
A related condition called hypocatalasemia occurs when only one of the two copies of the CAT gene in each cell has a mutation. This single mutation reduces the activity of catalase by approximately half. Like acatalasemia, hypocatalasemia usually does not cause any health problems.
Common variations (polymorphisms) in the CAT gene and in regions of DNA that regulate the gene's activity may be associated with the risk of developing certain common, complex diseases. For example, researchers are studying these polymorphisms as potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus and other disorders of blood sugar regulation. CAT gene polymorphisms may also be associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), a skin condition called vitiligo, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), and elevated levels of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in the blood, which increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, it is unclear how polymorphisms in the CAT gene impact catalase activity, and how changes in the activity of this enzyme might influence a person's risk of developing these diseases. A large number of genetic and lifestyle factors, many of which remain unknown, likely determine the risk of developing most common, complex conditions.
Conditions with Increased Gene Activity
| Condition | Change (log2fold) | Comparison | Species | Experimental variables | Experiment name |
|---|
Conditions with Decreased Gene Activity
| Condition | Change (log2fold) | Comparison | Species | Experimental variables | Experiment name |
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Technical
The following transcription factors affect gene expression:
Gene Pathways:
Molecular Function:
- Aminoacylase Activity
- Catalase Activity
- Receptor Binding
- Antioxidant Activity
- Oxidoreductase Activity, Acting On Peroxide As Acceptor
- Transferase Activity, Transferring Acyl Groups
- Enzyme Binding
- Heme Binding
- Protein Homodimerization Activity
- Metal Ion Binding
- Nadp Binding
- Glycine N-Acyltransferase Activity
- Glycine N-Benzoyltransferase Activity
Biological Processes:
- Response To Reactive Oxygen Species
- Osteoblast Differentiation
- Ureteric Bud Development
- Response To Hypoxia
- Purine Nucleotide Catabolic Process
- Glycine Metabolic Process
- Acyl-Coa Metabolic Process
- Triglyceride Metabolic Process
- Xenobiotic Metabolic Process
- Aging
- Cholesterol Metabolic Process
- Aerobic Respiration
- Response To Toxic Substance
- Response To Light Intensity
- Uv Protection
- Response To Ozone
- Response To Lead Ion
- Positive Regulation Of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Signaling
- Hemoglobin Metabolic Process
- Negative Regulation Of Nf-Kappab Transcription Factor Activity
- Response To Estradiol
- Monocarboxylic Acid Metabolic Process
- Response To Insulin
- Response To Vitamin A
- Response To Vitamin E
- Response To L-Ascorbic Acid
- Response To Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hydrogen Peroxide Catabolic Process
- Negative Regulation Of Apoptotic Process
- Response To Ethanol
- Response To Cadmium Ion
- Positive Regulation Of Nf-Kappab Transcription Factor Activity
- Protein Tetramerization
- Protein Homotetramerization
- Positive Regulation Of Cell Division
- Response To Hyperoxia
- Response To Fatty Acid
- Cellular Response To Growth Factor Stimulus
- Response To Phenylpropanoid