Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRTase) is an enzyme encoded by the APRT gene, found in humans on chromosome 16. It is part of the Type I PRTase family and is involved in the nucleotide salvage pathway, which provides an alternative to nucleotide biosynthesis de novo in humans and most other animals. In parasitic protozoa such as giardia, APRTase provides the sole mechanism by which adenine can be produced. APRTase deficiency contributes to the formation of kidney stones (urolithiasis) and to potential kidney failure.