Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase and regulation of homocysteine

Nutr Rev. 2006 Oct;64(10 Pt 1):465-7. doi: 10.1301/nr.2006.oct.465-467.

Abstract

Homocysteine is a non-protein, sulfur-containing amino acid derived from methionine metabolism and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent transmethylation. Elevations in plasma homocysteine have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, birth defects, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis. Of the many known methyltransferases that utilize SAM, phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase has recently received much attention for its possible role in the regulation of homocysteine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Homocysteine / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Methylation
  • Phosphatidylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Homocysteine
  • Phosphatidylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase