Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026
07:37
Neural Tube Closure in Mouse Whole Embryo Culture
Published on: October 21, 2011
[Methionine synthase and neural tube defects]
Wei Sheng Yan Jiu = Journal of Hygiene Research
|January 11, 2003
Summary
Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to neural tube defects (NTDs). Gene mutations in methionine synthase do not appear to cause NTDs, but its reductase may offer future research insights.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Context:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine is recognized as a risk factor for neural tube defects (NTDs) and vascular diseases.
- Methionine synthase plays a crucial role in homocysteine metabolism, and its dysfunction can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia and methionine auxotrophy.
Purpose:
- This paper reviews gene mutations in methionine synthase in relation to epidemiological studies of NTDs.
- To investigate the potential link between methionine synthase gene mutations and the risk of NTDs.
Summary:
- The review suggests that gene mutations in methionine synthase are not directly associated with NTDs or hyperhomocysteinemia.
- However, methionine synthase reductase is proposed as a potential area for future research concerning NTDs.
Impact:
- This research clarifies the limited role of methionine synthase gene mutations in NTDs.
- Highlights methionine synthase reductase as a promising avenue for future investigations into the etiology of NTDs.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Translation
Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
01:30Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
01:31Translation
Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:28Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acid biosynthesis is a fundamental biochemical process that produces the purine and pyrimidine nucleotides essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. This pathway maintains a balanced nucleotide pool, preventing imbalances that could jeopardize genetic integrity and cellular function. Given the crucial role of nucleotides, their synthesis is tightly regulated to ensure proper cellular homeostasis.Purine BiosynthesisThe biosynthesis of purine nucleotides begins with ribose-5-phosphate, a...