S-adenosylmethionine

S-adenosylmethionine (pronounced as ess-uh-den-o-sill-meth-uh-neen), often abbreviated as SAMe (pronounced as sammy), is a compound that is naturally produced by the body and plays a crucial role in normal bodily function. It is involved in the synthesis, activation, and metabolism of various biomolecules.

Etymology

The term "S-adenosylmethionine" is derived from its chemical structure. The "S" refers to the sulfur atom, "adenosyl" refers to the adenosine moiety, and "methionine" is an essential amino acid from which SAMe is synthesized.

Function

S-adenosylmethionine is a universal methyl group donor involved in the methylation reactions of various substrates, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids. It is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, and hormones, such as melatonin.

Synthesis

SAMe is synthesized in the body from the essential amino acid methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase.

Clinical Significance

Deficiency in SAMe has been associated with various diseases, including depression, liver disease, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. SAMe supplements are available over the counter in the United States and are commonly used for treating depression and osteoarthritis.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on S-adenosylmethionine
Wikipedia's article - S-adenosylmethionine

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S-adenosylmethionine