The ARG1 gene provides instructions for producing the enzyme arginase. This enzyme participates in the urea cycle, a series of reactions that occurs in liver cells. The urea cycle processes excess nitrogen, which is generated when proteins and their building blocks (amino acids) are used by the body. The urea cycle produces a compound called urea from excess nitrogen. Urea is then excreted by the kidneys. Excreting the excess nitrogen prevents it from accumulating in the form of ammonia, which is toxic.
Arginase facilitates the last step of the urea cycle, a reaction in which nitrogen is removed from the amino acid arginine and processed into urea. A compound called ornithine is also produced during this reaction; it is needed for the urea cycle to repeat.
Other Names
A-I; ARGI1_HUMAN; arginase, liver; arginase, type I
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 383
- OMIM: 608313
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
