Polyamine metabolism and function

1982 ◽  
Vol 243 (5) ◽  
pp. C212-C221 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Pegg ◽  
P. P. McCann
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Polyamine Metabolism ◽  
Organic Cations ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Polyamine Biosynthesis ◽  
Polyamine Content ◽  
And Function ◽  
Specific Inhibitors

Polyamines are ubiquitous organic cations of low molecular weight. The content of these amines is closely regulated by the cell according to the state of growth. The reactions responsible for the biosynthesis and interconversion of the polyamines and their precursor putrescine are described and the means by which polyamine content can be varied in response to exogenous stimuli are discussed. The role of polyamines in the cell cycle, cell division, tissue growth, and differentiation is considered. Recent studies using highly specific inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis such as alpha-difluoromethylornithine to prevent accumulation of polyamines have indicated that the synthesis of polyamines is intimately associated with these processes. Such inhibitors have great potential for investigation of the cellular role of polyamines.

scholarly journals The Emerging Clinical Role of Spermine in Prostate Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4382
Author(s):  
Qiang Peng ◽  
Christine Yim-Ping Wong ◽  
Isabella Wai-yin Cheuk ◽  
Jeremy Yuen-Chun Teoh ◽  
Peter Ka-Fung Chiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Polyamine Metabolism ◽  
Clinical Role ◽  
Polyamine Biosynthesis ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Polyamine Analogues ◽  
Phenotype Transformation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Apoptosis Regulation

Spermine, a member of polyamines, exists in all organisms and is essential for normal cell growth and function. It is highly expressed in the prostate compared with other organs and is detectable in urine, tissue, expressed prostatic secretions, and erythrocyte. A significant reduction of spermine level was observed in prostate cancer (PCa) tissue compared with benign prostate tissue, and the level of urinary spermine was also significantly lower in men with PCa. Decreased spermine level may be used as an indicator of malignant phenotype transformation from normal to malignant tissue in prostate. Studies targeting polyamines and key rate-limiting enzymes associated with spermine metabolism as a tool for PCa therapy and chemoprevention have been conducted with various polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors and polyamine analogues. The mechanism between spermine and PCa development are possibly related to the regulation of polyamine metabolism, cancer-driving pathways, oxidative stress, anticancer immunosurveillance, and apoptosis regulation. Although the specific mechanism of spermine in PCa development is still unclear, ongoing research in spermine metabolism and its association with PCa pathophysiology opens up new opportunities in the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of spermine in PCa management.

Functional design of glycan-conjugated molecules using a chemoenzymatic approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Ogata
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Natural Compounds ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Functional Design ◽  
Enzymatic Method ◽  
Conjugated Molecules ◽  
Design Synthesis ◽  
And Function

Abstract Carbohydrates play important and diverse roles in the fundamental processes of life. We have established a method for accurately and a large scale synthesis of functional carbohydrates with diverse properties using a unique enzymatic method. Furthermore, various artificial glycan-conjugated molecules have been developed by adding these synthetic carbohydrates to macromolecules and to middle and low molecular weight molecules with different properties. These glycan-conjugated molecules have biological activities comparable to or higher than those of natural compounds, and present unique functions. In this review, several synthetic glycan-conjugated molecules are taken as examples to show design, synthesis and function.

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