Aminotransferases

Conway, Myra E.

Abstract

The aminotransferases are PLP dependent proteins which catalyze the transfer of an amino group from the donor amino acid to α-ketoglutarate, forming glutamate and the respective keto acids. Several key aminotransferase proteins have been identified as playing central roles in whole body nitrogen metabolism, where they share common functions as nitrogen donors. These pathways play integrated roles within cells and between tissues shuttling metabolites alluding to distinct pockets of compartmented metabolic activity. These anaplerotic shuttles interface with key metabolic pathways such as the glutamate/glutamine cycle and TCA cycle facilitating the regeneration of key metabolites such as the primary neurotransmitter glutamate. Contributions to glutamate levels in the brain from these anaplerotic pathways exceed 30% illustrating their importance in maintaining the neurotransmitter pool of glutamate in neuronal cells. Knowledge of these pathways is not only important to our understanding of normal physiological mechanisms but more so how they are altered and contribute to the pathogenesis of disease. The pathological implications of impaired aminotransferase metabolism is discussed, in particular their potential role in glutamate toxicity, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. Finally, because of their tissue distribution these proteins have additional roles as biomarkers of disease and can be used in the differential diagnosis of acute and chronic hepatic injury.

Citation

Conway, M. E. (2011). Aminotransferases. In J. D'Mello (Ed.), Amino Acids in Human Nutrition and Health (24-41). CABI

• Acceptance Date: May 10, 2010
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2011
• Deposit Date: Nov 16, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 10, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 24-41
• Book Title: Amino Acids in Human Nutrition and Health
• ISBN: 9781845937980
• Keywords: amino acids, health, aminotransferases
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/957770
• Publisher URL: http://www.cabi.org/bookshop/book/9781845937980
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Originally published as Conway, M. E. (2011) Aminotransferases. In: D'Mello, J., ed. (2011) Amino Acids in Human Nutrition and Health. CAB International, Wallingford, UK