US EPA

7439701 

Journal Article 

Significance of Enzymes in Modern Healthcare: From Diagnosis to Therapy 

Mishra, P; Beura, S; Modak, R; , 

2021 

Springer Singapore 

Singapore 

Bioprospecting of Enzymes in Industry, Healthcare and Sustainable Environment 

315-347 

10.1007/978-981-33-4195-1_15 

http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-981-33-4195-1_15
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The human genome encodes around 25,000–30,000 genes, translating to many more proteins resulting from alternate splicing. A number of these proteins are enzymes possessing regulatory function in cellular and biochemical processes. Deregulation of enzyme activity can alter cell fate, often leading to diseased state, thereby presenting an opportunity for therapeutic interventions. Presently, many of such enzymes have been established as targets for manufacturing drugs (natural or synthetic) that will alter their activity. Specific enzyme activities reflect diverse functionality of our body thus, providing vital information about overall health of an individual. Pathogen, especially virus detection is often facilitated by evaluation of specific enzyme activities. High specificity, low immunogenicity, high stability, and greater consistency of enzymes have opened up to serve as potential alternative target for therapeutic intervention. Advances in recombinant technology and protein engineering have evolved enzymes with wide implications in disease diagnosis and pharmacological drug synthesis using enzyme-based immunoassays and green chemistry, respectively. Taken together enzymes play central and all around role in healthcare and disease diagnostics. In the present chapter, we will brief upon well-established enzymes in healthcare thereby highlighting upon new therapeutic targets and novel methodologies adapted as emerging therapies for existing as well as “incurable” diseases.