Target type: biologicalprocess
The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of putrescine, 1,4-diaminobutane; putrescine can be synthesized from arginine or ornithine and is the metabolic precursor of spermidine and spermine. [GOC:go_curators, ISBN:0198506732]
Putrescine biosynthesis is a crucial metabolic pathway in living organisms, involving the conversion of the amino acid ornithine into the diamine putrescine. This process occurs in two key steps, both catalyzed by specific enzymes:
1. **Decarboxylation of Ornithine:** The first step is the removal of a carboxyl group (-COOH) from ornithine, catalyzed by the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). This reaction produces the primary amine cadaverine, which is a precursor to putrescine.
2. **Transamination of Cadaverine:** The second step involves the transfer of an amino group (-NH2) from another molecule to cadaverine. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). The transfer of the amino group converts cadaverine to putrescine, a four-carbon diamine.
Putrescine is a polyamine that plays various roles in biological processes:
* **Cell Growth and Proliferation:** Putrescine is essential for cell growth and proliferation. It acts as a precursor for the synthesis of other polyamines, such as spermidine and spermine, which are crucial for DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
* **Antioxidant Activity:** Putrescine exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
* **Regulation of Gene Expression:** Putrescine can bind to and modulate the activity of certain transcription factors, influencing gene expression.
* **Plant Development:** In plants, putrescine plays a role in regulating cell division, stem elongation, and flower development.
* **Microbial Growth:** Putrescine is an important metabolite for certain microorganisms, contributing to their growth and survival.
Disruptions in putrescine biosynthesis can lead to various physiological consequences, including:
* **Cancer Development:** Aberrant putrescine levels have been linked to increased cancer risk in some studies.
* **Neurodegenerative Diseases:** Altered putrescine levels have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.
* **Immune System Dysfunction:** Putrescine is involved in immune cell regulation, and imbalances in its levels can contribute to immune system dysfunction.
Overall, putrescine biosynthesis is a fundamental metabolic process with significant implications for cellular function, growth, and development. Its intricate interactions with other pathways and its role in various biological processes highlight its importance in maintaining health and preventing disease.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Peroxisomal N(1)-acetyl-spermine/spermidine oxidase | A peroxisomal N(1)-acetyl-spermine/spermidine oxidase that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q6QHF9] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| n(1)-acetylspermidine | N(1)-acetylspermidine : An acetylspermidine having the acetyl group at the N1-position. | acetylspermidine | Escherichia coli metabolite; metabolite |
| n-acetylputrescine | N-acetylputrescine : An N-monoacetylalkane-alpha,omega-diamine that is the N-monoacetyl derivative of putrescine. | N-monoacetylalkane-alpha,omega-diamine; N-substituted putrescine | metabolite; mouse metabolite |
| n(8)-acetylspermidine | N(8)-acetylspermidine : An acetylspermidine that is 1,8-diamino-4-azaoctane in which one of the hydrogens of the amino group attached to C-8 is replaced by an acetyl group. | acetylspermidine | Escherichia coli metabolite; human metabolite |
| 7-(n-(3-aminopropyl)amino)heptan-2-one | 7-(N-(3-aminopropyl)amino)heptan-2-one: inhibits N(8)-acetylspermidine deacetylation in mice | ||
| n-acetyl-1,6-diaminohexane | |||
| chlorhexidine | chlorhexidine : A bisbiguanide compound with a structure consisting of two (p-chlorophenyl)guanide units linked by a hexamethylene bridge. Chlorhexidine: A disinfectant and topical anti-infective agent used also as mouthwash to prevent oral plaque. | biguanides; monochlorobenzenes | antibacterial agent; antiinfective agent |