Methioninase: a therapeutic for diseases related to altered methionine
metabolism and transmethylation: cancer, heart disease, obesity, aging, and Parkinson's
disease.
"Disruption and abnormalities in methionine
metabolism and transmethylation seems to be associated with the major diseases of mankind,
including cancer, heart disease, aging, obesity, and Parkinson's disease."
Mechanisms and consequences of the impaired trans-sulphuration pathway in
liver disease: Part II. Clinical consequences and potential for pharmacological
intervention in cirrhosis.
"The liver is actively involved in the metabolism of the
sulphur-containing essential amino acid, methionine. Methionine is transformed into S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) and
then into sulphur-containing metabolites (cysteine, taurine and glutathione) via the
trans-sulphuration pathway."
The number of scientific studies of methinone
is vast!
"The literature on sulfur amino acid metabolism is too vast for a short
chapter to cover in great depth. I attempt here a brief overview with references to many
specialized review articles. This review emphasizes aspects of sulfur amino acid
metabolism elucidated in the last ten years, in particular aspects not generally covered
in biochemistry texts, e.g. transaminative pathways of methionine metabolism."
Isolation of the murine S100 protein MRP14 (14 kDa
migration-inhibitory-factor-related protein) from activated spleen cells: characterization
of post-translational modifications and zinc binding.
Treatment of nude mice with 4-amidinoindan -1- one2 '- amidinohydrazone, a
new S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase inhibitor, delays growth and inhibits metastasis of
human melanoma cells.
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The biochemistry of endogenous organosulphur compounds.
Author
James SP
Address
School of Biochemistry, University of Birmingham, UK.
Source
Drug Metabol Drug Interact, 1988, 6:3-4, 167-82
Abstract
The role and metabolism of methionine and cysteine in
mammals are described. An outline of the history of glutathione, of its function in
maintaining the thiol status of the cell and of its protective action against oxidative
stress, is given. The importance of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidases,
glutathione-S-transferases in endogenous metabolism and of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase is
described. The relationship between cysteine and glutathione is considered together with
the inter-organ translocation of glutathione and its metabolism.
Methioninase: a therapeutic for diseases related to altered methionine
metabolism and transmethylation: cancer, heart disease, obesity, aging, and Parkinson's
disease.
Author
Hoffman RM
Address
AntiCancer, Incorporated, San Diego, CA 92111, USA. all@anticancer.com
Source
Hum Cell, 1997 Mar, 10:1, 69-80
Abstract
Methionine metabolism and transmethylation are central to
the metabolism and differentiation of all known cells. In enkaryotic organisms, methionine metabolism and transmethylation are of paramount
importance in modification and regulation of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The
differential methylation of genes regulates their expression in the myriad of cells in
eukaryotic organisms. Disruption and abnormalities in methionine
metabolism and transmethylation seems to be associated with the major diseases of mankind,
including cancer, heart disease, aging, obesity, and Parkinson's disease. In this review,
we describe how aberrant and abnormal methionine metabolism
and transmethylation are related to these major diseases. Most importantly, we review and
hypothesize how the developing therapeutic recombination methioninase (rMETase) can be
utilized to cure or prevent all of these diseases.
Recent experimental evidence links changes in methionine
metabolism to the onset and progression of cancer. Aberrant methylation reactions and
polyamine synthesis may alter genome stability, gene expression, and cell proliferation.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
94013160
MeSH Heading (Major)
Methionine|*ME; Neoplasms|DI/*ET/ME
MeSH Heading
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic|ME; DNA Damage; DNA Repair; Human; Oncogene Proteins|ME
Methionine sulfoxide and the oxidative regulation of plasma
proteinase inhibitors.
Author
Swaim MW; Pizzo SV
Address
Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Source
J Leukoc Biol, 1988 Apr, 43:4, 365-79
Abstract
The sensitivity of methionine residues to oxidation is a
mechanism by which many proteins, including plasma proteinase inhibitors, may be
oxidatively inactivated. Much evidence suggests that methionine
oxidation and concurrent losses of protein activity not only occur widely in living
systems but are physiologic, homeostatic processes. Neutrophils, macrophages and other
leukocytes secrete large quantities of powerful oxidants at sites of inflammation and may
readily bring about methionine oxidative inactivation of
proteins. In particular, oxidation of proteinase inhibitors may favorably alter the
proteinase-antiproteinase balance to facilitate tissue remodeling and protection from
invading organisms. Leukocyte-mediated inhibitor oxidation also appears to regulate local
immunosuppressive activity. Pathophysiologic processes such as emphysema and rheumatoidal
disease involve derangements of these homeostatic mechanisms.
Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan.
Source
J Comput Assist Tomogr, 1997 Jul-Aug, 21:4, 590-3
Abstract
A 43-year-old woman was admitted with a tumor mass in her forehead. Two months
previously, a lump in her breast had been diagnosed as mastopathy. Palpation revealed an
elastically hard immobile tumor mass in her forehead. MRI detected a tumoral lesion of
generally uniform contrast involving frontal subcutaneous, cranial, and intracranial
regions. PET demonstrated more intensive and wider accumulation of [11C]methyl-L-methionine (Met) than of [18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG). Biopsy
of the forehead mass was performed, which was diagnosed as B-cell-type malignant lymphoma.
The tumor mass in the forehead then shrank spontaneously, as confirmed by palpation and
MRI. The tumor mass in the left breast was totally extirpated and histologically diagnosed
as B-cell-type malignant lymphoma, like the tumor mass in the forehead. Postoperatively,
chemotherapy (VEPA) was performed. Although FDG accumulation had not been detected,
postchemotherapy PET demonstrated slight Met accumulation, suggesting the presence of a
residual tumor. PET served well to detect the lesion and evaluate therapeutic efficacy in
malignant lymphoma. Met-PET was more sensitive to malignant lymphoma than FDG-PET.
Functional methionine synthase deficiency (cblE and cblG):
clinical and biochemical heterogeneity.
Author
Watkins D; Rosenblatt DS
Address
Centre for Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Source
Am J Med Genet, 1989 Nov, 34:3, 427-34
Abstract
Functional methionine synthase deficiency is generally
characterized by homocystinuria and hypomethioninemia in the absence of methylmalonic
aciduria. Patients are divided into two classes, cblE and cblG, on the basis of
complementation analysis. Presentation has usually been in the first 2 years of life, but
one patient came to medical attention at age 21 years with symptoms initially diagnosed as
multiple sclerosis. Common findings among 11 patients (4 with cblE and 7 with cblG) have
included megaloblastic anemia (all patients) and various neurological deficits including
developmental retardation (10 patients), cerebral atrophy (8 patients), hypotonia (7
patients), EEG abnormalities (6 patients), and nystagmus (5 patients). Hypertonia,
seizures, blindness, and ataxia were less frequent. All patients have responded to therapy
with cobalamin with resolution of anemia and biochemical abnormalities; neurological
deficits resolved more slowly and in some cases incompletely. Hydroxycobalamin has been
more effective than cyanocobalamin. Fibroblasts from patients with cblE (5 patients) and
cblG (6 patients) all showed decreased intracellular levels of methylcobalamin (MeCbl) and
decreased incorporation of label from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate into macromolecules,
suggesting decreased activity of the MeCbl-dependent enzyme methionine
synthase. Methionine synthase specific activity in extracts
of all cblE fibroblasts was normal or near-normal under standard reducing conditions;
synthase specific activity in extracts of 5 cblG patients was low but was high in a 6th
patient measured in another laboratory. Thus, there is heterogeneity among patients with
functional methionine synthase deficiency both in clinical
presentation and in the results of biochemical studies of cultured cells.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
90086914
MeSH Heading (Major)
Homocystinuria|*EN/GE; Methionine|BL/*DF;
Methyltransferases|*DF; Tetrahydropteroylglutamate Methyltransferase|*DF/GE; Vitamin B
12|*AA/BL/TU
Plasma homocysteine and methionine tolerance in early-onset
vascular disease.
Author
Brattström L; Israelsson B; Hultberg B
Address
Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Source
Haemostasis, 1989, 19 Suppl 1:, 35-44
Abstract
In three different studies we tested the hypothesis that early-onset vascular disease is
associated with impaired homocysteine metabolism which could contribute to the development
of arteriosclerosis and thrombosis. In patients with occlusive vascular disease before the
age of 60, a post-methionine load increase of plasma
homocysteine exceeding the highest value for comparable healthy control subjects was found
in 1 of 21 with myocardial infarction (5%), 14 of 37 with aorto-iliac disease (38%), and
17 of 53 with cerebrovascular disease (32%). This might indicate heterozygosity for
homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency. Concentrations of serum
vitamin B12 and red cell folate had an important modulating effect on plasma homocysteine
concentrations in the fasting state.
The influence of ethanol on hepatic transmethylation.
Author
Barak AJ; Beckenhauer HC
Address
Liver Study Unit, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105.
Source
Alcohol Alcohol, 1988, 23:1, 73-7
Abstract
One of the most important biochemical pathways in the organism is the biosynthesis of methionine from the methylation of homocysteine. Two different
reactions are responsible for this methylation, one utilizing N5-methyltetra-hydrofolate
as a methylating agent and the other using betaine as the methyl donor. This paper reviews
some recent findings in this laboratory, which demonstrate that ethanol-feeding to rats
impairs the folate-induced reaction. Our findings also show that this impairment is
compensated for through the adaptive increase in the enzyme using betaine in the
biosynthesis of methionine. Further studies indicate that the
mechanism of action in the impairment may occur through the formation of individual
adducts between the folate-induced enzyme (methionine
synthetase), its essential cofactors and acetaldehyde, a metabolic product of ethanol.
These findings suggest a basis for why rats are more resistant to alcoholic liver injury
than humans and may offer a means of protecting against alcoholic liver injury in man.
Slowed synthesis of DNA and methionine is a pathogenetic
mechanism common to dementia in Down's syndrome, AIDS and Alzheimer's disease?
Author
Regland B; Gottfries CG
Address
Department of Geriatrics and Rehabilitation, Uddevalla Hospital, Rosenhäll, Sweden.
Source
Med Hypotheses, 1992 May, 38:1, 11-9
Abstract
This is a presentation of the hypothesis of a pathogenetic mechanism common to the
dementia seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Down's Syndrome (DS) and the acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). As there is experimental evidence of defective DNA
repair capacity in AD and DS, unrepaired damage to DNA occurs in these diseases and may
lead to complete breakdown of cellular function and ultimate cell death. Cobalamin and
folate are coordinated in a vulnerable key position in the synthesis of DNA and
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Cobalamin/folate deficiency, a significant feature in senile
dementia of Alzheimer type and in AIDS-related dementia complex, will result in
concomitant slowed synthesis of DNA and SAM. The enzyme cystathionine-beta-synthetase
(CBS) has been localized to the chromosome band 21q22.3. Owing to gene dosage, CBS
activity is increased in trisomy 21. As a consequence, cobalamin/folate metabolism is
inhibited, which leads to slowing of DNA and SAM synthesis in DS patients. Amyloidosis is
a hallmark of AD and DS brain neuropathology and recent experimental findings support the
view that amyloid or amyloid precursors stimulate DNA synthesis, which is in agreement
with the hypothesis presented in this paper. In summary, demented patients with
cobalamin/folate deficiency, trisomy 21 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
display a simultaneous downregulation of DNA and SAM synthesis, which may indicate a
pathway common to the dementia seen in AD, DS and AIDS.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
92310301
MeSH Heading (Major)
Alzheimer's Disease|PA/*PP; AIDS Dementia Complex|PA/*PP; Dementia|ET/PA/*PP; Down
Syndrome|PA/*PP; DNA|*BI; Methionine|*BI
MeSH Heading
Amyloidosis|ET/PA/PP; Cell Death; DNA Repair; DNA Replication; Human; Models, Biological
Methionine deprivation regulates the translation of
functionally-distinct c-Myc proteins.
Author
Hann SR
Address
Department of Cell Biology, Vanderbilt Univeristy, School of Medicine, Nashville,
Tennessee 37232-2175, USA.
Source
Adv Exp Med Biol, 1995, 375:, 107-16
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated a critical role for the c-myc gene in the control of
cellular growth. Alterations of the c-myc gene have been found associated with many
different types of tumors in several species, including humans. The increased synthesis of
one of the major forms of c-Myc protein, c-Myc 1, upon methionine
deprivation provides a link between the regulation of oncogenes and the nutritional status
of the cell. While deregulation or overexpression of the other major form, c-Myc 2, has
been shown to cause tumorigenesis, the synthesis of c-Myc 1 protein is lost in many
tumors. This suggests that the c-Myc 1 protein is necessary to keep the c-Myc 2 protein
"in check" and prevent certain cells from becoming tumorigenic. Indeed, we have
shown that overproduction of c-Myc 1 can inhibit cell growth. We have also shown that
c-Myc 1 and 2 proteins have a differential molecular function in the regulation of
transcription through a new binding site of Myc/Max heterodimers. We have also recently
identified new translational forms of the c-Myc protein which we term delta-c-Myc. These
proteins arise from translational initiation at downstream start sites which yield
N-terminally-truncated c-Myc proteins. Since these proteins lack a significant portion of
the transactivation domain of c-Myc, they behave as dominant-negative inhibitors of the
full-length c-Myc 1 and 2 proteins. The synthesis of delta-c-Myc proteins is also
regulated during cell growth and is repressed by methionine
deprivation. Therefore, the synthesis of c-Myc 1 and delta-c-Myc proteins are reciprocally
regulated by methionine availability. We have also found some
tumor cell lines which synthesize high levels of the delta-c-Myc proteins. Taken together,
our data suggest that c-Myc function is dependent on the levels of these different
translational forms of c-Myc protein which are regulated by the nutritional status of the
cell during growth. Numerous reports have demonstrated a fundamental and diverse role for
the myc gene in cellular events, including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis
(Cole 1986; Spencer and Groudine 1991; Askew et al. 1991; Evan et al. 1992). This is
dramatically illustrated by the frequent occurrence of a variety of tumors in many species
having alterations of myc genes and the transduction of c-myc sequences by retroviruses
(Spencer and Groudine 1991).4+ Eisenman 1990).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
Source
Adv Exp Med Biol, 1994, 368:, 113-7
Abstract
Methionine metabolism impairment in human liver disease has
been related with an alteration in SAM-synthetase. This deficiency is produced by a
post-translational event since human liver cirrhosis presents normal levels of
SAM-synthetase mRNA in spite of a more than 50% diminution in its activity. A series of
different experiments on the structure and activity of this enzyme have provided strong
evidence that SAM-synthetase is regulated by reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio.
Restoration of glutathione levels by the addition of S-adenosyl-methionine or glutathione
esters in various experimental conditions (buthionine sulfoximine and carbon tetrachloride
intoxication) resulted in a normalization of the SAM-synthetase diminution caused by the
toxics and an attenuation of the morfological alteration produced in the liver, including
fiber production. This findings might have pharmacological implications in the treatment
of liver diseases, since the possible beneficial effect of long term administration of SAM
could include a reduction of fiber production.
Oxidation of methionyl residues in proteins: tools, targets, and reversal.
Author
Vogt W
Address
Max Planck Institut für experimentelle Medizin, Göttingen, Germany.
Source
Free Radic Biol Med, 1995 Jan, 18:1, 93-105
Abstract
Methionine (Met) is one of the most readily oxidized amino
acid constituents of proteins. It is attacked by H2O2, hydroxyl radicals, hypochlorite,
chloramines, and peroxynitrite, all these oxidants being produced in biological systems.
The oxidation product, Met sulfoxide, can be reduced back to Met by Met sulfoxide
reductase. Numerous proteins lose functional activity by Met oxidation. However,
functional activation of proteins by Met oxidation has also been observed. Functional
changes by Met oxidation in a given protein appear to have pathophysiological significance
in some cases. Considering the reversibility of Met oxidation and the functional changes
associated with the oxidation, it seems possible that Met oxidation/reduction in proteins
may be one means to control homeostasis in biological systems.
Methyl donors in the diet and responses to chemical carcinogens.
Author
Rogers AE
Address
Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,
Mallory Institute of Pathology, MA 02118.
Source
Am J Clin Nutr, 1995 Mar, 61:3 Suppl, 659S-665S
Abstract
Dietary deficiency of labile methyl donors (choline and methionine)
increases spontaneous and chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. Chemical
carcinogenesis in the colon, mammary gland, esophagus, and pancreas also may be increased.
The mechanism of the dietary effect is not known but may be related to reduced methylation
of DNA and RNA, hyperplasia of target cells, increased peroxidative damage, and altered
carcinogen or promoter metabolism. Folate deficiency also is associated with increased
carcinogenesis, an effect that may be mediated through participation in methyl metabolism;
this has been less extensively studied. Deficiency of these three nutrients also may play
a role in the elevated cancer risk in humans that is associated with ethanol intake.
Mechanisms and consequences of the impaired trans-sulphuration pathway in liver disease:
Part II. Clinical consequences and potential for pharmacological intervention in
cirrhosis.
Author
Pisi E; Marchesini G
Address
Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale e Terapia Medica, Università di Bologna, Italy.
Source
Drugs, 1990, 40 Suppl 3:, 65-72
Abstract
The liver is actively involved in the metabolism of the sulphur-containing essential
amino acid, methionine. Methionine
is transformed into S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) and then into sulphur-containing
metabolites (cysteine, taurine and glutathione) via the trans-sulphuration pathway. Liver
disease may affect the trans-sulphuration pathway and decrease the clearance of methionine, which leads to increased fasting methionine
concentrations in blood and reduced formation of cysteine and glutathione. There is
evidence that this defect, located at the level of SAMe-synthetase, may cause nutritional
defects and contribute to negative nitrogen balance whenever non-essential
sulphur-containing amino acids are not supplied in adequate amounts. In addition,
cirrhotic patients may be at increased risk of hepatotoxicity after treatment with
substances which are detoxified via glutathione. The SAMe-synthetase block may be overcome
by administration of oral or intravenous SAMe, which improves the fasting amino acid
profile and increases the hepatic glutathione concentration. Controlled studies on long
term SAMe treatment in patients with cirrhosis are needed to confirm this possible
beneficial effect.
Departamento de Metabolismo, Nutrición y Hormonas, Fundación Jiménez Diaz, Madrid,
Spain.
Source
Drugs, 1990, 40 Suppl 3:, 58-64
Abstract
The energy-dependent conversion of methionine to S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is
catalysed by S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthetase (SAMe-synthetase) in the liver. In the
hepatocyte, an equilibrium exists between the high and low molecular weight forms of
SAMe-synthetase, which consist of a tetramer and a dimer, respectively, of a 48.5
kilodalton subunit. The 2 enzymic forms differ in their affinity for methionine and
sensitivity to inhibition by pyrophosphate; 2 of the sulfhydryl groups of SAMe-synthetase
have been identified as essential for the normal functioning of the enzyme. In patients
with liver cirrhosis, a marked reduction in the utilisation of the high molecular weight
SAMe-synthetase and displacement of the equilibrium occur, the molecular mechanism of
which has yet to be established. This loss of activity is associated with a delay in
methionine clearance and impairment of the trans-sulphuration pathway, which normally
eliminates excess methionine by oxidising homocysteine to sulphate anion. It is
hypothesised that in normal liver function the essential sulfhydryl groups of
SAMe-synthetase are protected from oxidation by glutathione, a by-product of the
trans-sulphuration pathway. However, glutathione levels are reduced in liver cirrhosis,
and this may result in increased oxidation of the essential sulfhydryl groups, and
consequent inactivation of the enzyme. Thus, the trans-sulphuration pathway may play an
important role in the maintenance of normal SAMe-synthetase activity.
Chemoattractant receptor affinity reflects its ability to transduce different biological
responses.
Author
Snyderman R
Source
Agents Actions Suppl, 1983, 12:, 323-36
Abstract
The oligopeptide chemotactic factor receptor in human PMN membranes exists in two
affinity states which are in part interconvertible and regulated by guanine nucleotides.
In whole cells, only one affinity of the receptor can be seen, presumably due to the high
intracellular levels of guanine nucleotides as well as rapidly ongoing cellular processes
which allow the detection of only a single affinity state. There is strong evidence to
suggest that the affinity of the chemoattractant receptor in whole PMNs can be modified by
agents which alter the physical state of the PMN membrane. The average affinity of the
oligopeptide chemotactic factor receptor can be enhanced by aliphatic alcohols which
decrease membrane microviscosity. Under these conditions, chemotactic responsiveness of
PMNs is enhanced but 0(2-) production and secretion initiated by chemoattractants is
markedly depressed. When the affinity of the receptor is lowered as in the case of
amphotericin B, chemotaxis is depressed but lysozyme secretion is enhanced. These data
indicate that the transduction mechanisms for certain biological responses initiated by
the chemoattractant receptor are heterogeneous. It can be hypothesized that the particular
transduction pathway initiated by chemoattractant receptor occupancy is reflected by the
affinity state of the receptor. The higher affinity state initiates chemotactic signals
whereas the lower affinity state initiates 0(2-) production and secretion. By altering the
affinity of the receptor using pharmacological means one may be able to modify the
biological activity of human PMNs.
Dynamics of human neutrophil receptors for the chemoattractant fmet-leu-phe.
Author
Gallin JI; Seligmann BE; Fletcher MP
Source
Agents Actions Suppl, 1983, 12:, 290-308
Abstract
Neutrophils contain an intracellular pool of binding sites for the chemoattractant
fmet-leu-phe with the same density as specific granules. This pool of receptors appears to
be translocated to the plasma membrane during degranulation and may be important for
receptor renewal during chemotaxis. Scatchard analyses of fmet-leu-phe binding to
neutrophils and isolated plasma membranes are nonlinear and calculated Hill coefficients
of binding to these fractions were about 0.67, suggesting negative cooperativity and/or
heterogeneity of receptors. Some of the features of the nonlinear Scatchard curves may
reflect heterogeneity of binding among cells since binding of fmet-leu-phe-lys-fluorescein
to cells is heterogeneous when simultaneously monitored in the fluorescence activated cell
sorter with a fluorescent probe of membrane potential. Following addition of a
chemoattractant cells showing a depolarization have more chemoattractant associated with
them than cells showing no change of membrane potential or a hyperpolarization. The cell
associated chemoattractant is largely in a displaceable pool on the cells showing
depolarization while it is in a nondisplaceable pool in the cells that either do not
respond or show a hyperpolarization. Studies of the adaptation of human neutrophils
responsiveness to fmet-leu-phe elicited membrane potential changes indicate that
fmet-leu-phe stimulated decreases in receptor affinity accompany such adaptation. This
decreased affinity appears to involve heterogeneity and/or negative cooperative
interaction of receptors. The dynamics of chemoattractant receptors that have been
reviewed provide further insights for studying the concepts behind the spatial and
temporal mechanisms by which cells respond and adapt to a gradient of chemoattractant.
The literature on sulfur amino acid metabolism is too vast for a short chapter to cover
in great depth. I attempt here a brief overview with references to many specialized review
articles. This review emphasizes aspects of sulfur amino acid metabolism elucidated in the
last ten years, in particular aspects not generally covered in biochemistry texts, e.g.
transaminative pathways of methionine metabolism. A selected list of reviews is given in
references 1-15. References to reviews on glutathione are covered in the chapter by A.
Meister in this volume (1a).
Diseases of sulphur metabolism: implications for the methionine-homocysteine cycle, and
vitamin responsiveness.
Author
Mudd SH
Source
Ciba Found Symp, 1979, :72, 239-58
Abstract
Sixteen inherited human diseases are now recognized, affecting most of the major steps
in sulphur metabolism. Studies of patients with three types of homocystinuria have
demonstrated unequivocally the major role of cystathionine formation in degradation of
homocysteine, and the importance of homocysteine remethylation. Methionine balance studies
of normal subjects and of a sarcosine oxidase-deficient subject have shown the predominant
role of creatine synthesis in methionine utilization and permitted assessment of the rate
of oxidation of the methyl group of methionine. Together, the results demonstrate that
once regulatory adjustments have been made the rate of methylneogensis is nicely
controlled so that labile methyl groups are made available in amounts just sufficient to
meet the needs for methionine. When excess methionine is ingested the four-carbon moiety
is diverted into cystathionine, the methyl group is oxidized via sarcosine and the flow of
partially oxidized one-carbon units is diverted away from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate toward
CO2. Studies of cystathionine synthase-deficient patients demonstrate that the capacity to
respond or not to respond to pyridoxine administration is genetically controlled, probably
through structural differences in mutant cystathionine synthases. However, the properties
of the enzyme crucial in conferring responsiveness have not yet been identified.
Transmethylation hypothesis of schizophrenia: methionine
and nicotinic acid.
Author
Nestoros JN; Ban TA; Lehmann HE
Source
Int Pharmacopsychiatry, 1977, 12:4, 215-46
Abstract
The transmethylation hypothesis of schizophrenia was reviewed with considerations that
large doses of methionine when combined with a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor lead to exacerbation of psychotic symptoms in a significant percentage
of chronic schizophrenic patients. It was noted that nicotinic acid in the dosage of 3,000
mg/day can neither prevent nor counteract the psychopathology thus induced.
Effects on transmethylation by high-dose 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate infusions
during consolidation treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Author
Keuzenkamp-Jansen CW; De Abreu RA; Blom HJ; Bökkerink JP; Trijbels JM
Address
Laboratory of Pediatrics, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Source
Biochem Pharmacol, 1996 May 3, 51:9, 1165-71
Abstract
6-mercaptopurine (6MP) cytotoxicity is caused by thioguanine and methylthioinosine
nucleotides. Thiopurine methylation occurs to a large extent in vivo and in vitro. In this
reaction, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet), produced from
and ATP, is converted into S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (AdoHcy) which, in turn, is
hydrolyzed into homocysteine. Remethylation of homocysteine into methionine
is inhibited by methotrexate (MTX). In cultured lymphoblasts, AdoMet: AdoHcy ratio and DNA
methylation decrease after incubation with 6MP. The aim of the present study was to
investigate the influence of high-dose 6MP on the methylation capacity in children with
acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Five patients received 4 courses with high-dose intravenous
MTX (5' g.m-2 in 24 hr) immediately followed by high-dose 6MP (1300 mg.m-2 in 24 hr). Five
control patients received high-dose MTX and oral 6MP (25 mg.m -2 daily for 8 weeks).
Leucovorin rescue was started at 36 hr in both groups. In the intravenous 6MP group,
6-methylmercaptopurine, its riboside, and 6-methylmercapto-8-hydroxypurine were detectable
in plasma in concentrations of 0.3-2.6 muM (6MP steady state levels: 11.6 muM). In red
blood cells, mean methylthioinosine nucleotide levels were one third of those of ATP (13.1
nmol/10(8)). AdoHcy levels (10 pmol/10(8)) remained constant in both groups and AdoMet was
not detectable ( < 20 pmol/10(8)). In both groups, plasma homocysteine increased and
decreased following administration of MTX. The delay in the recovery of methionine in the intravenous 6MP group after MTX infusion is
probably the result of an increased demand on methyl groups during 6MP infusion.
Isolation of the murine S100 protein MRP14 (14 kDa migration-inhibitory-factor-related
protein) from activated spleen cells: characterization of post-translational modifications
and zinc binding.
Author
Raftery MJ; Harrison CA; Alewood P; Jones A; Geczy CL
Address
Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
Source
Biochem J, 1996 May 15, 316 ( Pt 1):, 285-93
Abstract
MRP14 (macrophage migration-inhibitory factor-related protein of molecular mass 14 kDa)
is an S100 calcium binding protein constitutively expressed in human neutrophils which may
be associated with cellular activation/inflammation. Murine MRP14 expression was
up-regulated following concanavalin A activation of spleen cells, and the protein was
isolated from conditioned medium in high yield (approx. 500 ng/ml). MRP14 had a mass of
12972 +/- 2 Da by electrospray ionization MS, whereas the theoretical mass derived from
the cDNA sequence, after removal of the initiator Met, was 12918 Da, suggesting that the
protein was post-translationally modified. We identified four post-translational
modifications of MRP14: removal of the N-terminal Met, N-terminal acetylation, disulphide
bond formation between Cys79 and Cys90, and 1-methylation of His106; the calculated mass
was then 12971.8 Da. Methylation of His106 was further characterized after incubation of
spleen cells with L-[methyl-3H]Met during concanavalin A stimulation. Sequential analysis
of a peptide (obtained by digestion with Lys C) containing methylated His indicated that
> 80% of the label in the cycle corresponded to His106, suggesting that the methyl
residue was transferred from S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Comparison of the C18 reverse-phase
HPLC retention times of phenylthiocarbamoyl derivatives of a hydrolysed digest peptide of
MRP14 with those of standards confirmed methyl substitution on the 1-position of the
imidazole ring. MRP14 bound more 85Zn2+ than the same amounts of the 10 kDa chemotactic
protein (CP10) or S100 beta. Ca2+ decreased Zn2+ binding in S100 beta but it did not
influence binding to MRP14, suggesting that the Zn2+ binding site was distinct from and
independent of the two Ca2+ binding domains.
Metabolic Unit, University Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland.
Source
Clin Sci (Colch), 1996 Jul, 91:1, 79-86
Abstract
1. Elevated plasma homocysteine concentration, either in the fasting state or after methionine loading, is an independent risk factor for vascular
disease in man. Methionine loading has been used to
investigate impaired methionine metabolism, especially of the
trans-sulphuration pathway, but most studies have focused on changes in homocysteine. 2.
We investigated the effect of methionine excess on total
plasma homocysteine, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (which is the active form of folate in the
remethylation of homocysteine to methionine),
S-adenosyl-methionine (the first metabolite of methionine)
and S-adenosylmethionine) (the demethylated product of S-adenosylmethionine) over 24h in
12 healthy subjects. 3. As well as the expected increase in homocysteine (from 8.0 +/- 1.3
to 32.6 +/- 10.3 mumol/l, mean +/- SD, P < 0.001), S-adenosylmethionine showed a
significant transient increase (from 37.9 +/- 25.0 to 240.3 +/- 109.2 nmol/l, P <
0.001), which correlated well with homocysteine (r2 = 0.92, P < 0.001).
5-Methyltetrahydrofolate values decreased significantly (from 23.2 +/- 7.2 to 13.1 +/- 2.9
nmol/l, P < 0.01), and gradually returned to baseline levels