methylglyoxal biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of methylglyoxal, CH3-CO-CHO, the aldehyde of pyruvic acid. [GOC:ai]

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound that is a byproduct of glycolysis and other metabolic pathways. The biosynthetic process of MGO involves the following steps: 1) **Glycolysis:** During glycolysis, the sugar glucose is broken down into pyruvate. 2) **Triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) bypass:** In some instances, the enzyme TIM may be bypassed, leading to the formation of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) which is then converted to methylglyoxal by the enzyme glyoxalase I. 3) **Glycolysis and oxidative stress:** Under conditions of oxidative stress, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) can directly attack the sugar intermediates in glycolysis leading to the formation of MGO. 4) **Glyoxalase pathway:** The main route for MGO detoxification is through the glyoxalase pathway. The enzyme glyoxalase I catalyzes the conversion of MGO to S-D-lactoylglutathione. 5) **Other sources:** MGO can also be generated from other sources, such as the breakdown of the amino acid threonine and the lipid peroxidation process. MGO has been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including the development of diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)