Aldolase C, Mouse Monoclonal Antibody

Aldolases are glycolytic enzymes that catalyze the reversible aldol cleavage of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and fructose-1-phosphate to dihydroxyacetone phosphate and either glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate or glyceraldehyde, respectively. Thus, Aldolases play important roles in glycolysis and the reverse pathway, gluconeogenesis, catalyzing the reversible conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate (G3P) or glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP). At this step, Adolases are key regulators of ATP biosynthesis. Three aldolase isozymes are found in mammals, specifically aldolases A, B, and C, each of which is encoded by a separate gene. Aldolase A is generally considered to be a muscle enzyme. Northern analysis of cultured cells suggests that it is also present in both neurons and glia (1). Aldolase B is considered to be a liver-specific enzyme, and it is transcriptionally activated by signals from hormones and dietary factors (2). In adults, aldolase C is generally considered a brain-specific isozyme, with low but detectable activity in fetal tissues (1, 3-6). Aldolase C shares 81% amino acid identity with aldolase A and 70% identity with aldolase B. Earlier studies using isozyme-specific antibodies report its location in gray matter astrocytes and cells of the pia mater (5, 8). In situ hybridization of mouse central nervous system using isozyme-specific probes revealed that aldolase A and C are expressed in complementary cell types: aldolase A mRNA is found in neurons; aldolase C message is detected in astrocytes, some cells of the pia mater, and Purkinje cells (9). Aldolase C can, in some situations, be used as an astrocyte marker. However, Purkinje cells of the cerebellum contain high levels of the enzyme, so the enzyme is not totally astrocyte-specific. Indeed, with today’s advanced expression technologies, Aldolase C has been found to be expressed in most tissues (Reference link.) , with predominant expression in the brain, muscle, and most organ systems except reproductive. Its presence in other cell types, such as platelets and mast cells, maybe a backup if other predominant aldolase isozymes become inactivated. ALDOC is localized within the cytoplasm of cells. In the brain, research has also shown that Aldolase C is activated when the brain develops, is injured, or traumatized.

Aldolase C also potentially contributes to other functions, although these are not fully understood. Notably, Aldolase C binds less tightly to the cytoskeleton, such as F-actin, than other isozymes, possibly due to its more acidic pI. It also plays a role in the stress-response pathway for lung epithelial cell function during hypoxia and in the resistance of cerebellar Purkinje cells against excitotoxic insult.

Clinically, Aldolase C overexpression has been associated with cancer. It is found to be upregulated in the brains of schizophrenia patients, with differential expression in the anterior cingulate cortex of male schizophrenia patients, suggesting different regulatory mechanisms in male versus female patients. More recently, Aldolase C has been found to be important in cholesterol biosynthesis by regulating the intermediate metabolite acetyl-CoA. Aldoc may be a novel therapeutic target for reducing the conversion of refined carbohydrates to cholesterol and, therefore, reduce CVD risk (Reference link.)

In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, Adolase C is reported to undergo oxidation in brains affected by mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This oxidative modification inhibits Aldolase C activity, leading to the accumulation of fructose 1,6- bisphosphate and driving the reverse reaction towards gluconeogenesis rather than glycolysis, thereby halting ATP production.

In summary, the role of Aldolases, particularly Aldolase C, extends beyond glycolytic processes to underpin key functions across various cellular contexts. Aldolase C, while prominently expressed in the brain, muscle, and other organ systems, serves an intricate role in cellular energy regulation, stress responses, and specialized functions in distinct cell types. The dynamic nature of Aldolase C expression, regulation, and activity in many different cell types and emerging diseases calls for further research that will continue to build our understanding and knowledge of this enzyme and that of its vital family members.