APOBEC Meaning and
Definition
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Apobec is an abbreviation for apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like. It refers to a family of enzymes known as cytidine deaminases, which are encoded by the activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) gene superfamily. These enzymes are involved in various cellular processes, particularly in the innate immune response and the regulation of gene expression.
Apobec proteins are characterized by their ability to catalyze the conversion of cytidine (C) to uridine (U) in RNA molecules. This process, known as deamination, can lead to the alteration of genetic information and subsequent changes in gene expression. Apobec enzymes are known for their role in DNA and RNA editing, as they can introduce mutations in RNA or DNA by converting cytidines to uridines.
Apobec proteins have been found to be essential in innate and adaptive immune responses against viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B virus. These enzymes can inhibit viral replication by causing hypermutation in viral genomes, hence disrupting the integrity of viral genetic material.
Furthermore, apobec enzymes are involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including the fine-tuning of gene expression and the generation of diversity in the antibody repertoire during B-cell development. They are also implicated in cancer development, as aberrant expression or dysregulation of apobec proteins can lead to genomic instability and the accumulation of mutations.
Overall, apobec enzymes play crucial roles in both normal physiological processes and disease pathways, with their function intertwined with genetic modification and immune responses.
Common Misspellings for APOBEC
- zpobec
- spobec
- wpobec
- qpobec
- aoobec
- alobec
- a-obec
- a0obec
- apibec
- apkbec
- aplbec
- appbec
- ap0bec
- ap9bec
- apovec
- aponec
- apohec
- apobsc
- apobdc
- apobrc
Etymology of APOBEC
The word "APOBEC" is an acronym derived from its full name: Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Enzyme, Catalytic Polypeptide-Like. The term "apobec" represents an abbreviation of this full name, specifically referring to the catalytic polypeptide-like protein family.
The Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Enzyme, Catalytic Polypeptide-Like (APOBEC) family of enzymes is involved in RNA and DNA editing processes, which includes cytidine deamination. The acronym was coined to accurately name the protein family based on its functions and characteristics.
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