hypoxanthine salvage

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that generates hypoxanthine, 6-hydroxy purine, from derivatives of it without de novo synthesis. [GOC:jl, ISBN:0198506732]

Hypoxanthine salvage is a metabolic pathway that allows cells to recycle hypoxanthine, a purine base, into guanine nucleotides. This pathway is essential for maintaining a sufficient supply of guanine nucleotides for DNA and RNA synthesis, as well as other cellular processes. Hypoxanthine is produced by the breakdown of other purine nucleotides, such as adenosine and guanine. It can be salvaged from the environment or from cellular degradation pathways. The salvage pathway is catalyzed by the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT). This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of a phosphoribosyl group from PRPP (phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate) to hypoxanthine, forming inosine monophosphate (IMP). IMP can then be converted to GMP (guanosine monophosphate) via the enzyme IMP dehydrogenase. This pathway provides an alternative route for guanine nucleotide synthesis without having to go through the de novo pathway. It also allows for the efficient use of purine bases from the environment or from cellular degradation pathways. This process is important for cell growth and development, as well as for immune system function. Deficiencies in HGPRT can lead to Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by self-injurious behavior, hyperuricemia, and neurological abnormalities.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (21)