Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
Heme oxygenase-1 is a novel target and antioxidant mediator of S-adenosylmethionine
Kati Erdmann1, Belinda W Y Cheung, Stephan Immenschuh
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility, Room 4-500, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Abstract:
The sulfur compound and dietary supplement S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) has been reported to have cytoprotective and antioxidant properties. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. The present study investigates the effect of SAM on the expression of the antioxidant stress proteins heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and ferritin in endothelial cells. Induction of the HO-1/ferritin-system leads to protection of tissues against several inflammatory stimuli. SAM increased the protein and mRNA levels of HO-1 in cultured endothelial cells. Induction of HO-1 gene expression was associated with elevated ferritin protein levels and regulated at the transcriptional level via increased promoter activity. HO-1 upregulation by SAM was causally related to a decrease in NADPH-mediated production of oxygen radicals. Our results demonstrate that the HO-1/ferritin-system is a novel target of the antioxidant compound SAM.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide
Sulfur Assimilation
Peroxisomes
The Electron Transport Chain
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q in...