UREASE: UMA ENZIMA MULTIFACETADA NA INTERFACE ENTRE SAúDE, AGRICULTURA E BIOTECNOLOGIA

Ureases are nickel-dependent enzymes widely distributed in nature that play fundamental roles in both healthcare and agriculture by catalyzing the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. This enzymatic activity is of considerable scientific and technological relevance, as it represents a promising target for the development of novel products with applications across multiple fields. In healthcare, urease functions as a virulence factor in several pathogenic microorganisms. On the other hand, the ureolytic activity of ureases on soil leads to nitrogen loss through volatilization, which negatively impacts plant nutrition and agricultural productivity. This compilation provides an overview of urease in the scope of medicine, agriculture and biotechnology. The structure of the enzyme, mechanism of action of identified inhibitors, and prospects for the research and development of new urease-inhibiting compounds are also discussed. Advancing knowledge on the biological properties of urease is essential for developing innovative strategies with significant impacts on agricultural sustainability, human health and biotechnology.