S-adenosylmethionine-dependent Methyltransferases: Structures And Functions


Book Description

This invaluable volume, written by an international group of scientists, presents an overview of the AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases, with special emphasis on structure-function relationships.S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) is the second most commonly used enzyme cofactor after ATP. The AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases act on a wide variety of target molecules, including DNA, RNA, protein, polysaccharides, lipids and a range of small molecules.The well-conserved architecture of these enzymes, and the implications of this conservation for their evolutionary history, are major themes of this book. The thirteen chapters describe in detail the structures, enzyme kinetics and biological roles of the AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases from a wide range of cell types: plant, animal, bacterial and archaeal.




Homocysteine in Health and Disease


Book Description

This is an unusually comprehensive 2001 account of the broad range of medical implications of homocysteine.




Radical SAM Enzymes


Book Description

Radical SAM Enzymes, Volume 606, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on the Characterization of the glycyl radical enzyme choline trimethylamine-lyase and its radical S-adenosylmethionine activating enzyme, Diphathimide biosynthesis, Radical SAM glycyl radical activating enzymes, Radical SAM enzyme BioB in the biosynthesis of biotin, Biogenesis of the PQQ cofactor, Role of MoaAC in the biogenesis of the molybdenum cofactor, Biosynthesis of the nitrogenase cofactor, Bioinformatics of the radical SAM superfamily, The involvement of SAM radical enzymes in the biosynthesis of methanogenic coenzymes, methanopterin and coenzyme F420, and more.




Natural Sulfur Compounds


Book Description

The third International Meeting on "Low Molecular Weight Sulfur Containing Natural Products,"sponsored by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, was held in the historical building of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Rome, Italy, June 18-21, 1979. The symposium was held in order to exchange knowledge in the intriguing and complex field of sulfur biochemistry. This theme brought together scientists from many speciali zed areas from organic and physical chemistry to biology and medicine. The interdisciplinary nature of the meeting gave to the participants the opportunity to discuss pro blems of common interest approached from different scienti fic standpoints. This volume contains 47 contributions presented at the meeting which mainly deal with new structural and metabolic aspects of sulfur biochemistry. An important aspect of such a scientific meeting is the rapid publication of the proceedings. Through the cooperation of the authors in providing "camera ready" copies of their manuscripts, the good efforts of the Orga nizing Committee, and the Plenum Press Publishing Co., it has been possible to publish this book within a few months of the meeting.




Epigenetics of Aging


Book Description

Recent studies have indicated that epigenetic processes may play a major role in both cellular and organismal aging. These epigenetic processes include not only DNA methylation and histone modifications, but also extend to many other epigenetic mediators such as the polycomb group proteins, chromosomal position effects, and noncoding RNA. The topics of this book range from fundamental changes in DNA methylation in aging to the most recent research on intervention into epigenetic modifications to modulate the aging process. The major topics of epigenetics and aging covered in this book are: 1) DNA methylation and histone modifications in aging; 2) Other epigenetic processes and aging; 3) Impact of epigenetics on aging; 4) Epigenetics of age-related diseases; 5) Epigenetic interventions and aging: and 6) Future directions in epigenetic aging research. The most studied of epigenetic processes, DNA methylation, has been associated with cellular aging and aging of organisms for many years. It is now apparent that both global and gene-specific alterations occur not only in DNA methylation during aging, but also in several histone alterations. Many epigenetic alterations can have an impact on aging processes such as stem cell aging, control of telomerase, modifications of telomeres, and epigenetic drift can impact the aging process as evident in the recent studies of aging monozygotic twins. Numerous age-related diseases are affected by epigenetic mechanisms. For example, recent studies have shown that DNA methylation is altered in Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmunity. Other prevalent diseases that have been associated with age-related epigenetic changes include cancer and diabetes. Paternal age and epigenetic changes appear to have an effect on schizophrenia and epigenetic silencing has been associated with several of the progeroid syndromes of premature aging. Moreover, the impact of dietary or drug intervention into epigenetic processes as they affect normal aging or age-related diseases is becoming increasingly feasible.




S-adenosylmethionine-dependent Methyltransferases


Book Description

This invaluable volume, written by an international group of scientists, presents an overview of the AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases, with special emphasis on structure-function relationships. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) is the second most commonly used enzyme cofactor after ATP. The AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases act on a wide variety of target molecules, including DNA, RNA, protein, polysaccharides, lipids and a range of small molecules. The well-conserved architecture of these enzymes, and the implications of this conservation for their evolutionary history, are major themes of this book. The thirteen chapters describe in detail the structures, enzyme kinetics and biological roles of the AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases from a wide range of cell types: plant, animal, bacterial and archaeal.




Environmental Epigenetics


Book Description

This book examines the toxicological and health implications of environmental epigenetics and provides knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach. Included in this volume are chapters outlining various environmental risk factors such as phthalates and dietary components, life states such as pregnancy and ageing, hormonal and metabolic considerations and specific disease risks such as cancer cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses.




The DNA, RNA, and Histone Methylomes


Book Description

This book reviews the chemical, regulatory, and physiological mechanisms of protein arginine and lysine methyltransferases, as well as nucleic acid methylations and methylating enzymes. Protein and nucleic acid methylation play key and diverse roles in cellular signalling and regulating macromolecular cell functions. Protein arginine and lysine methyltransferases are the predominant enzymes that catalyse S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methylation of protein substrates. These enzymes catalyse a nucleophilic substitution of a methyl group to an arginine or lysine side chain nitrogen (N) atom. Cells also have additional protein methyltransferases, which target other amino acids in peptidyl side chains or N-termini and C-termini, such as glutamate, glutamine, and histidine. All these protein methyltransferases use a similar mechanism. In contrast, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are substrates for methylating enzymes, which employ various chemical mechanisms to methylate nucleosides at nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and carbon (C) atoms. This book illustrates how, thanks to there ability to expand their repertoire of functions to the modified substrates, protein and nucleic acid methylation processes play a key role in cells.




Pediatric Endocrinology and Inborn Errors of Metabolism


Book Description

Fast, crystal-clear guidance on managing both pediatric endocrine disorders and inborn errors of metabolism A Doody's Core Title for 2011! New England Journal of Medicine Review! "...an inspiring learning tool....Sarafoglou and colleagues have combined their expertise to create an informative and timely textbook in which the explanations of underlying mechanisms guide the structure of each chapter. It is a unique book that is pleasing to the eye, nurturing for the mind, and instructive for a broad readership."--New England Journal of Medicine 4 STAR DOODY'S REVIEW! "The book covers various pathophysiologic aspects of each endocrine organ and its interaction with other endocrine and nonendocrine systems. Disorders of thyroid and adrenal glands, pituitary, reproductive organs, and endocrine neoplasia are extensively covered. Most large groups of metabolic diseases are reviewed as well. Concise, pertinent information is provided on mitochondrial and fatty-acid oxidation, urea cycle and glycogen storage disorders, as well as organic acidurias and amino acidopathies. The most useful and user-friendly areas are the 1-to-2-page "at-a-glance" sections in each chapter which provide concise yet pertinent information about the disorders within a particular group of endocrine disturbances or IEM. This is a well written book and the multiple visual aids greatly assist in comprehension and memorization of the material...I strongly recommend this book without reservation." -- Doody's In one practical, user-friendly tutorial, a team of international contributors delivers the latest information and clinical insights you need to confidently diagnose and manage pediatric patients. This full-color resource guides you through the etiology, pathophysiology, presenting signs and symptoms, diagnostic laboratory examinations, and treatments regimens of each disorder. Features: Full-color presentation with numerous photos, illustrations, diagnostic algorithms, tables, and text boxes that summarize key concepts and assist in the decision-making process At-a-Glance feature beginning each disease-based chapter summarizes all the clinical information you need to differentiate between disorder sub-types in one easy-to-find place All-inclusive coverage encompasses the full spectrum of critical topics Emergency assessment and treatment chapter gives you fast, clear guidance on acute presentations of endocrine and metabolic disorders Chapter on newborn screening walks you through an abnormal screening result to follow-up diagnostic testing Complete and detailed information on all laboratory and radiographic testing used to diagnose disorders in both disciplines




DNA and RNA Modification Enzymes


Book Description

This volume is a timely and comprehensive description of the many facets of DNA and RNA modification-editing processes and to some extent repair mechanisms. Each chapter offers fundamental principles as well as up to date information on recent advances in the field (up to end 2008). They ended by a shortconclusion and future prospect' section and