Description
ATPase (Adenosine Triphosphatase: EC 3.6.1.3) is an important enzyme for maintaining the cell membrane potential, transporting ions and regulating cellular volume. It catalyzes the decomposition of ATP into ADP and a free phosphate ion. The hydrolysis of ATP is highly exergonic releasing energy that is utilized in several cellular processes. There are many classes of ATPases including Na+/K+ ATPase, H+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase. The deficiency of mitochondrial ATPase is serious: for example, Na+/K+ ATPase deficiency increases anxiety-related behavior, while Ca2+ ATPase deficiency leads to exertional muscle pain syndrome. Therefore, accurate detection of ATPase activity is valuable for the diagnosis and mechanistic studies of some of these diseases.
