D-alanine catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of D-alanine, the D-enantiomer of the amino acid alanine. [GOC:ecd]

The D-alanine catabolic process is a metabolic pathway that breaks down D-alanine, a stereoisomer of the amino acid alanine, into pyruvate and ammonia. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and detoxifying harmful D-alanine, which can accumulate in the body due to various factors, including bacterial infections.

The breakdown of D-alanine typically occurs in two steps:

1. **D-alanine dehydrogenase (DAD) catalyzed oxidation:** The enzyme D-alanine dehydrogenase (DAD) catalyzes the oxidation of D-alanine to pyruvate, producing ammonia as a byproduct. This reaction requires NAD+ as an electron acceptor and is highly specific for D-alanine.

2. **Pyruvate utilization:** The generated pyruvate can then be utilized in various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, to produce energy or synthesize other essential biomolecules.

D-alanine catabolism plays a critical role in several physiological processes, including:

- **Amino acid metabolism:** It contributes to the breakdown and detoxification of D-alanine, which can accumulate in the body due to bacterial infections or dietary intake.
- **Bacterial growth inhibition:** D-alanine catabolism is essential for the growth of certain bacteria, as they require D-alanine for cell wall synthesis.
- **Immune system modulation:** The breakdown of D-alanine can affect the immune system's response to infections by influencing the production of cytokines and other immune mediators.

Dysregulation of D-alanine catabolism can lead to several pathological conditions, such as:

- **D-alanine accumulation:** Excessive D-alanine accumulation can contribute to the development of various diseases, including liver disorders, neurological conditions, and autoimmune diseases.
- **Bacterial infections:** Impaired D-alanine catabolism can enhance bacterial growth and increase the risk of infections.

Therefore, the D-alanine catabolic process is a vital metabolic pathway involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis, detoxifying harmful substances, and influencing the immune system response. Understanding its mechanisms and regulation is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for various diseases and infections.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (33)