CKB (gene) - Function

Function

The protein encoded by this gene, CK-BB, consists of a homodimer of two identical brain-type CK-B subunits. BB-CK is a cytoplasmic enzyme involved in cellular energy homeostasis, with certain fractions of the enzyme being bound to cell membranes, ATPases, and a variety of ATP-requiring enzymes in the cell. There, CK-BB forms tightly coupled microcompartments for in situ regeneration of ATP that has been used up. The encoded protein reversibly catalyzes the transfer of "energy-rich" phosphate between ATP and creatine or between phospho-creatine (PCr) and ADP. Its functional entity is a homodimer (CK-BB) in brain, smooth muscle as well as in other tissues and cells such as neuronal cells, retina, kidney, bone etc. In heart, a heterodimer (CK-MB) consisting of one CK-B brain-type CK subunit and one CK-M muscle-type CK subunit is prominently expressed The encoded CK-BB and CK-MB proteins are members of the ATP:guanido phosphotransferase protein family.