Ureases: Functions, Classes, and Applications

Ureases: Foundations, Classes, and Applications provides a thorough, practical analysis of ureases―enzymes of growing relevance across a range of biotechnological applications and drug discovery. Unique in many aspects, ureases are one of the few enzymes to have nickel in their active sites. This book covers all aspects of this enzymatic class starting with foundational overview and then providing historical urease research and current state, from basic biochemistry to the use of ureases as hallmarks in enzymology, crystallography, and bioinorganic chemistry. The different classes of ureases, structurally diverse but chemically equivalent, are individually discussed.

The multi-protein, multi-step activation of ureases (with chemical modification of residues, transport, and transfer of nickel ions) are examined in-depth, along with the catalytic mechanisms of ureolysis and its inhibitors. The final two sections of the book address multiple applications of ureases in health and biotechnology, respectively, going from gastric ulcer treatment to architectural uses in buildings and engineering. Future applications and next steps in research are also considered.

• Considers fundamental aspects of urease biochemistry, ureolysis and urease inhibitors
• Discusses urease research across a range of applications, from drug discovery to biosensors, water purification, architecture and the food industry
• Features chapter contributions from international leaders in the field

Dr. Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun holds a B. Sc. degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2008), a M. Sc. degree (2010) and a D. Sc. degree (2014) in Cell and Molecular Biology from the Center of Biotechnology at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. His interests rest in the structural biology of toxic proteins from venoms and poisons for the development of novel drugs. He is currently Associate Professor of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department at Universidade Federal de Ciencias da Saude de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA).

Dr. Célia Regina R da S Carlini holds a B.Sc degree in Biological Sciences - Medical modality, from Universidade Federal de São Paulo (1978), M.Sc. (1981) and Ph.D. (1985) in Molecular Biology - Protein Chemistry from Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). She is a Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (elected 2009). She is full professor (retired) and runs the Research Group on Neurotoxins and Ureases, at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Her research experience is focused on Biochemistry, with an emphasis on Proteins, including canatoxin, ureases, lectins, proteolytic enzymes and cognate inhibitors, blood clotting, platelet aggregation, inflammation, neurotoxins, insecticidal, antifungal, pore-forming and ion channel proteins and peptides.