Polyamine biosynthesis is the enzymatic production of small organic polycations containing multiple amino groups. The pathway forms putrescine and converts it into higher polyamines through successive aminopropyl-transfer reactions. Spermidine and spermine arise from addition of aminopropyl groups supplied by decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine [1][2]. Biosynthetic enzyme expression, substrate supply, and feedback regulation are coordinated with polyamine degradation, uptake, and export to maintain intracellular pools [3]. Ornithine decarboxylase produces putrescine in a major biosynthetic route and is subject to targeted degradation mediated by antizyme [4]. The supply of ornithine and activated aminopropyl donors connects successive steps to broader amino acid and methionine metabolism. The resulting network connects amino acid metabolism with the synthesis and interconversion of putrescine, spermidine, and related polyamines [5].
- polyamines
- putrescine
- spermidine
- aminopropyl transfer
Polyamine Metabolism and Applications·Molecular Biology·Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology·Life Sciences
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