aspartate binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to aspartate, the alpha-amino-acid anion of 2-aminobutanedioic acid that has formula C4H5NO4. [CHEBI:29995, GOC:mah]

Aspartate binding is a molecular function that describes the ability of a protein or other molecule to interact with the amino acid aspartate. This interaction is typically non-covalent, involving electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals interactions. Aspartate binding is crucial for a wide range of biological processes, including:
* **Enzymatic catalysis:** Aspartate is a key component of the active site of many enzymes, where it participates in the chemical reaction by stabilizing transition states, facilitating the binding of substrates, or providing a proton donor or acceptor. For example, aspartate residues play a role in the active sites of enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism, such as aspartate transaminase, aspartate kinase, and dihydrofolate reductase.
* **Signal transduction:** Aspartate binding is involved in signal transduction pathways, where it acts as a ligand for specific receptors. For instance, the neurotransmitter glutamate binds to glutamate receptors, which contain aspartate residues in their ligand-binding domains.
* **Transport:** Aspartate binding proteins participate in the transport of aspartate across cell membranes. These proteins typically have a binding site that recognizes and binds aspartate, facilitating its movement from one side of the membrane to the other.
* **Structural integrity:** Aspartate residues can contribute to the stability of proteins by forming salt bridges and hydrogen bonds with other amino acids, which helps maintain the three-dimensional structure of the protein.
* **Cellular regulation:** Aspartate binding can regulate the activity of proteins, such as enzymes, by altering their conformation or binding to regulatory sites.
The specific details of aspartate binding, including the binding affinity, specificity, and functional consequences, can vary depending on the protein and its biological context.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)