METHIONINE ADENOSYLTRANSFERASE Meaning and
Definition
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Methionine Adenosyltransferase (MAT) refers to a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acid methionine. It is an essential enzyme within the pathway that contributes to the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is a universal methyl donor in numerous biological reactions.
MAT is responsible for catalyzing the reversible reaction between methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to produce SAM and pyrophosphate (PPi). This reaction is vital for maintaining cellular levels of SAM, which is involved in various biochemical processes including DNA and protein methylation, polyamine synthesis, and the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine.
There are two distinct forms of MAT, namely MAT I and MAT II, each encoded by different genes. MAT I is predominantly found in the liver, while MAT II is present in extrahepatic tissues. The regulation and activity of MAT enzymes are tightly controlled to ensure adequate production of SAM without disrupting cellular homeostasis.
Deficiencies or dysregulation of MAT activity can have important implications in health and disease. Altered MAT function has been linked to liver diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and regulation of Methionine Adenosyltransferase enzymes is crucial for elucidating the underlying mechanisms of various diseases and developing potential therapeutic interventions.
Common Misspellings for METHIONINE ADENOSYLTRANSFERASE
- nethionine adenosyltransferase
- kethionine adenosyltransferase
- jethionine adenosyltransferase
- mwthionine adenosyltransferase
- msthionine adenosyltransferase
- mdthionine adenosyltransferase
- mrthionine adenosyltransferase
- m4thionine adenosyltransferase
- m3thionine adenosyltransferase
- merhionine adenosyltransferase
- mefhionine adenosyltransferase
- meghionine adenosyltransferase
- meyhionine adenosyltransferase
- me6hionine adenosyltransferase
- me5hionine adenosyltransferase
- metgionine adenosyltransferase
- metbionine adenosyltransferase
- metnionine adenosyltransferase
- metjionine adenosyltransferase
- metuionine adenosyltransferase
Etymology of METHIONINE ADENOSYLTRANSFERASE
The word "Methionine Adenosyltransferase" is composed of two parts:
1. Methionine: The term "methionine" has its roots in the Greek word "methy" meaning wine, as it was first isolated from red wine in the early 19th century. The suffix "-ine" indicates it is an amino acid, specifically an essential amino acid.
2. Adenosyltransferase: The term "adenosyltransferase" is a combination of "adenosyl" referring to adenosine, a nucleoside found in RNA and ATP, and "transferase" indicating an enzyme that transfers a functional group from one molecule to another.
