In enzymology, a m7G(5')pppN diphosphatase or m7G(5')pppN pyrophosphatase () is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction
7-methylguanosine 5'-triphospho-5'-polyribonucleotide + H2O 7-methylguanosine 5'-phosphate + 5'-diphospho-polyribonucleotide
Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are 7-methylguanosine 5'-triphospho-5'-polynucleotide and H2O, whereas its two products are 7-methylguanosine 5'-phosphate and 5'-diphospho-polyribonucleotide. It is responsible for messenger RNA decapping.
Nomenclature
This enzyme belongs to the family of hydrolases, specifically those acting on acid anhydrides in phosphorus-containing anhydrides. The systematic name of this enzyme class is 7-methylguanosine-5'-triphospho-5'-polynucleotide 7-methylguanosine-5'-phosphohydrolase.
Another name in common use is decapase because this enzyme removes the N7-methylguanosine 5-phosphate cap from an mRNA. The process of mRNA decapping controls eukaryotic mRNA degradation.
See also 5' cap 7-Methylguanosine
References