XDH and XO Research and Drug Discovery—Personal History

Abstract

The author will outline the research history of the main issues addressed in this paper. The author has worked on this research himself. XDH, which is responsible for purine degradation, is present in various organisms. However, conversion to XO only occurs in mammals. The molecular mechanism of this conversion was elucidated in this study. The physiological and pathological significance of this conversion is presented. Finally, enzyme inhibitors were successfully developed, two of which are used as therapeutic agents for gout. Their wide application potential is also discussed.

Keywords

• xanthine dehydrogenase
• xanthine oxidase
• molybdopterin
• non-heme iron
• flavine
• uric acid