GPT Protein, Human (His)

Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) protein serves a pivotal role by catalyzing the reversible cleavage of L-argininosuccinate into fumarate and L-arginine, a crucial step in the urea cycle. This process primarily contributes to hepatic nitrogen detoxification, leading to the excretion of urea, and facilitates de novo L-arginine synthesis in nonhepatic tissues. ASL emerges as an essential regulator of both intracellular and extracellular L-arginine pools, playing a critical role in maintaining nitrogen homeostasis. As part of the citrulline-nitric oxide cycle, ASL forms tissue-specific multiprotein complexes with argininosuccinate synthase (ASS1), transport protein SLC7A1, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS1, NOS2, or NOS3). This complex allows for cell-autonomous L-arginine synthesis while participating in the channeling of extracellular L-arginine to the nitric oxide synthesis pathway, showcasing the multifaceted regulatory functions of ASL in nitrogen metabolism and cellular signaling.