Inorganic pyrophosphatases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of inorganic pyrophosphate to orthophosphate. These enzymes are divided into two groups: the soluble pyrophosphatases and the membrane pyrophosphatases. They vary in structure and each has a determined catalysis mechanism. Soluble pyrophosphatases are ubiquitous enzymes and play a key role in regulating the rate of pyrophosphate and balance in this sense, the biosynthetic reactions. Membrane pyrophosphatases are ion pumps, producing a proton or sodium gradient, and provide critical energy reserves to organisms, especially during stress conditions. Several studies have shown that these enzymes are involved in numerous disorders (diseases, fault cell growth¿¿¿). However they are potential targets for the development of agents against parasites. This article consists of a description of the different types, structures, catalytic properties of inorganic pyrophosphatases and their involvement in cellular metabolism.

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