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Extraction of Non-Protein Amino Acids from Cyanobacteria for Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Published on: December 9, 2022
Amino acids and gaseous signaling
Xilong Li1, Fuller W Bazer, Haijun Gao
1Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Amino Acids
|March 7, 2009
Summary
Endogenous gases like nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), derived from amino acids, act as crucial signaling molecules. These gases regulate physiological processes and offer cytoprotective effects, impacting various health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gases like nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are recognized as vital signaling molecules in animals and humans.
- These gases are synthesized from amino acids, including arginine, glycine, and cysteine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual role of endogenous gases as both signaling molecules and regulators of their own production.
- To highlight the impact of these gaseous mediators on physiological functions and their therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on gaseous signaling molecules and their amino acid precursors.
- Analysis of the biochemical pathways involved in the synthesis and action of NO, CO, H2S, and SO2.
- Examination of the regulatory roles of amino acids in gas production.
Main Results:
- NO, CO, and SO2 activate guanylyl cyclase, producing cGMP and influencing vascular smooth muscle relaxation, hemodynamics, and neurotransmission.
- H2S modulates neurological function and endothelium-dependent relaxation via cGMP-independent pathways, including KATP channels and cAMP signaling.
- These gases exhibit cytoprotective and immunomodulatory effects, while ammonia (NH3) impacts neuronal and vascular function by inhibiting NO synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Amino acids serve as precursors and regulators for endogenous gas production, expanding knowledge in amino acid biochemistry and nutrition.
- Understanding these gaseous signaling pathways offers potential for novel nutritional and pharmacological interventions for diseases like cardiovascular disorders, neurological diseases, and cancer.
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