CD39L3/ENTPD3: Proteins and Enzymes

CD39L3, or ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-3 (NTPDase-3), is an integral membrane protein with an extracellular catalytic domain. rhCD39L3 was expressed as a protein lacking its N- and C-terminal transmembrane domains, resulting in the secretion of the soluble rhCD39L3 ectodomain. CD39L3 hydrolyzes the b- and g-phosphate groups of nucleotides, preferring ATP, ADP, UTP, and UDP as substrates. Through its hydrolysis of extracellular nuceotides, CD39L3 is important for the regulation of purinergic signaling. The enzyme is expressed at its highest levels in brain, pancreas, spleen, and prostate tissues. In the brain, CD39L3 may play a role in the regulation of feeding, sleep, and other behaviors.