adenosine catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of adenosine, adenine riboside, a ribonucleoside found widely distributed in cells of every type as the free nucleoside and in combination in nucleic acids and various nucleoside coenzymes. [GOC:go_curators]

Adenosine catabolism is a fundamental metabolic pathway that involves the breakdown of adenosine into its constituent components: adenine and ribose. This process occurs primarily in the cytoplasm of cells, and it is catalyzed by a series of enzymes.

The first step in adenosine catabolism is the deamination of adenosine by adenosine deaminase (ADA) to form inosine. ADA is a key regulatory enzyme in this pathway, and its deficiency is associated with severe immunodeficiency.

Inosine is then further metabolized by purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) to form hypoxanthine. Hypoxanthine can then be converted to xanthine by xanthine oxidase, and finally to uric acid, the end product of purine metabolism.

Adenosine catabolism is tightly regulated, ensuring the appropriate balance of purine nucleotide levels within the cell. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, regulating cell growth and differentiation, and influencing immune function.

Additionally, adenosine catabolism is closely linked to other important metabolic pathways, such as the salvage pathway for purine nucleotides and the synthesis of NAD+.

Disruptions in adenosine catabolism can lead to a variety of pathological conditions, including immunodeficiency, gout, and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Therefore, understanding the intricacies of this pathway is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies for these diseases.'
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Proteins (5)

Compounds (113)