Carbonic Anhydrases

Carbonic anhydrases are a family of zinc-metalloenzymes that catalyze the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and protons. They are ubiquitous in nature, found in all kinds of organisms, from bacteria to humans, and many organisms employ them in a variety of metabolic pathways. Carbonic anhydrases play a key role in acid-base balance, transport of carbon dioxide, calcium homeostasis, and other physiological functions. In humans, they are known to be involved in several diseases, including kidney diseases and certain types of cancer. Carbonic anhydrases are also important in industrial processes and their applications have been utilized in wastewater treatment, wastewater recycling, and carbon dioxide sequestration.