Transmethylation

Transmethylation is a biochemical reaction that occurs in the cells of living organisms and plays an important role in the metabolism of many compounds. During this reaction, the amino acid loses its terminal methyl group (CHG), which is transferred to other molecules.

The main donor of the methyl group in transmethylation is methionine, an amino acid that is part of proteins. Methionine can be obtained from foods or synthesized in the body. Once methionine enters the cell, it is converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which serves as a methyl group donor in many biochemical reactions.

During transmethylation, the methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine is transferred to other molecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins, phospholipids and other metabolites. For example, DNA methylation plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression, and methylation of proteins can influence their structure and function.

In addition, the methyl group transferred during transmethylation can be used to synthesize other compounds. For example, the methyl group may be involved in the synthesis of choline or creatinine, which play an important role in cellular energy metabolism. Also, the methyl group can take part in detoxification processes, helping the body get rid of toxic substances.

Transmethylation is an important process that ensures the normal functioning of cells and the body as a whole. Disturbances in transmethylation can lead to various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and others. Therefore, the study of transmethylation and its role in biological processes is an important task for modern biochemistry and medicine.

Transmethylation is a reaction characterized by the loss of an amino acid of its terminal methyl (CH3) group, which is added to other compounds. The main donor of the methyl group is methionine; in the future, this group can take part in the synthesis of choline or creatinine, as well as in detoxification processes.

Transmethylation is an important biochemical process that ensures the transfer of methyl groups from one molecule to another. It plays a key role in many metabolic pathways, including the synthesis of important compounds such as choline, creatinine, epinephrine and melatonin. In addition, transmethylation is involved in detoxification reactions and inactivation of harmful substances. Disturbances in transmethylation processes are associated with the development of certain diseases, so the study of this process is of great importance for medicine and pharmacology.

Transmethylation: Study of the loss of a methyl group by amino acids

In the world of biochemistry and molecular biology, there are many reactions that play an important role in various biological processes. One such reaction is transmethylation, a process in which an amino acid loses its terminal methyl (CH₃) group, which is then added to other molecules. This process has significant implications for various metabolic pathways in organisms.

The main donor of the methyl group in transmethylation is methionine, which is a sulfur-containing amino acid. Methionine plays an important role in metabolism and is a key source of methyl groups for various biochemical reactions. During the process of transmethylation, the methyl group transferred from methionine can be used in different metabolic pathways.

One of the important uses of the methyl group is the synthesis of choline. Choline is an essential nutrient required for the functioning of the nervous system and the formation of cell membranes. During the process of transmethylation, the methyl group of methionine is transferred to betaine, resulting in the formation of betaine dimethylglycine (DMG) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM is the main donor of methyl groups in many biochemical reactions, including choline synthesis.

In addition to the synthesis of choline, the methyl group obtained as a result of transmethylation can be used in the process of creatinine synthesis. Creatinine is an important metabolite that is involved in energy metabolism in muscle and is used as an indicator of kidney function. Transmethylation plays a role in the conversion of guanidinoacetate to creatinine by transferring a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).

In addition to participating in the synthesis of choline and creatinine, transmethylation also plays an important role in detoxification processes. It is involved in the methylation of various toxic compounds, which contributes to their inactivation and removal from the body. An example of such a process is the methylation of arsenate (As(V)) to methyl arsenate (CH₃AsO₃) or the methylation of mercury (Hg) to methylmercury (CH₃Hg).

Transmethylation is a complex and regulated process that plays an important role in many biochemical pathways in the body. It ensures the transfer of methyl groups to various molecules, including compounds necessary for the normal functioning of the body, such as choline and creatinine, and is also involved in the detoxification of toxic substances.

Transmethylation studies are of great importance in medicine and biology, since changes in this process can be associated with various diseases. For example, defects in the genetic transmethylation program can lead to metabolic disorders that may be associated with the development of serious diseases such as homocystinuria and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Transmethylation studies are also important for the development of new methods for diagnosing and treating various diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of this process can help in the development of new drugs aimed at modulating the activity of enzymes involved in transmethylation. Such drugs may be useful, for example, in the treatment of metabolic disorders or cancer associated with changes in genome methylation.

In conclusion, transmethylation is an important biochemical reaction that plays a fundamental role in various biological processes. It ensures the transfer of methyl groups from methionine to other molecules, including compounds necessary for the normal functioning of the body and detoxification processes. Transmethylation studies are important for understanding metabolic mechanisms, developing new methods for diagnosing and treating diseases, and expanding our general understanding of the complex processes that occur in organisms.