Description
General description
β-Glucuronidase (GUSB) is a lysosomal enzyme, found in animals, plants and bacteria. This exoglycosidase shows high activity in spleen, liver and kidney. Bovine liver β-glucuronidase (BLG) is homotetramer with a molecular weight of 290 kDa.
Application
β-glucuronidase is used as a reporter gene in GUS assays to monitor gene expression.
β-Glucuronidase from bovine liver has been used in β-glucuronidase inhibition assay to study the β-glucuronidase inhibitory effect of extracts and isolated actives from Phyllanthus amarus. It has also been used to perform deglucuronidation.
Biochem/physiol Actions
β-glucuronidase catalyzes the breakdown of complex carbohydrates. In humans it converts conjugated bilirubin into the unconjugated form, making bilirubin suitable for reabsorption.
β-Glucuronidase (GUSB) deficiency can result in mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPSVII), which leads to store lysosome in the brain. Integration of β-glucuronides of steroid hormones into tissues can be done with the help of GUSB.
Other Notes
One Sigma or modified Fishman unit will liberate 1.0 μg of phenolphthalein from phenolphthalein glucuronide per hr at 37 °C at pH 5.0 (30 min assay).