adenine metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving adenine, 6-aminopurine, one of the five main bases found in nucleic acids and a component of numerous important derivatives of its corresponding ribonucleoside, adenosine. [GOC:go_curators]

Adenine metabolism is a complex process that involves the synthesis, degradation, and utilization of adenine, a purine base that is an essential component of DNA, RNA, and ATP.

**Synthesis:**

Adenine is synthesized de novo from simpler molecules, primarily through the purine biosynthesis pathway. This pathway involves a series of enzymatic steps that begin with the amino acids glycine, glutamine, aspartate, and formate. The key intermediates in this pathway include inosine monophosphate (IMP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and guanosine monophosphate (GMP).

**Degradation:**

Adenine can be degraded through a series of enzymatic reactions that ultimately produce uric acid, the primary end product of purine metabolism in humans. The process begins with the deamination of adenine to hypoxanthine by the enzyme adenine deaminase. Hypoxanthine is then oxidized to xanthine by xanthine oxidase. Finally, xanthine is oxidized to uric acid by the same enzyme.

**Utilization:**

Adenine is utilized in a variety of cellular processes, including:

* **DNA and RNA synthesis:** Adenine is a component of both DNA and RNA, and its synthesis and degradation are essential for the replication and transcription of genetic information.
* **ATP synthesis:** Adenine is a component of ATP, the primary energy currency of cells. ATP is generated through the process of oxidative phosphorylation, which involves the transfer of electrons from reduced coenzymes (NADH and FADH2) to molecular oxygen, coupled to the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP.
* **Signal transduction:** Adenine derivatives, such as cyclic AMP (cAMP), play important roles in signal transduction pathways. cAMP is a second messenger that mediates the effects of hormones and other signaling molecules.

**Regulation:**

The synthesis and degradation of adenine are tightly regulated to maintain cellular homeostasis. This regulation is achieved through a variety of mechanisms, including feedback inhibition, allosteric regulation, and transcriptional control.

**Disorders of Adenine Metabolism:**

Defects in the genes that encode enzymes involved in adenine metabolism can lead to a variety of disorders, including:

* **Lesch-Nyhan syndrome:** This rare genetic disorder is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT). This deficiency results in a build-up of uric acid in the body, leading to a variety of symptoms, including self-injurious behavior, mental retardation, and gout.
* **Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency:** This disorder is characterized by an accumulation of adenine in the body, which can lead to a variety of neurological and developmental problems.

Adenine metabolism is a fundamental process that is essential for life. Defects in this process can lead to serious health problems, highlighting the importance of understanding the regulation and function of adenine metabolic pathways.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (11)