An overview on D-amino acids.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology

Background:

• D-amino acids, initially considered biologically minor, are now recognized for significant roles.
• They are found in high concentrations across various organisms, including humans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the crucial biological functions of D-amino acids, specifically D-serine and D-aspartate.
• To underscore their relevance in neurological and endocrine systems and associated disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature on D-amino acid functions and metabolism.
• Analysis of D-serine's role in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity and D-aspartate's function in neurogenesis and endocrine regulation.

Main Results:

• D-serine (D-Ser) is a co-agonist of NMDA receptors, impacting learning, memory, and behavior.
• D-aspartate (D-Asp) regulates adult neurogenesis and endocrine function, including hormone secretion and spermatogenesis.
• D-amino acids are present in food and can indicate processing or contamination.

Conclusions:

• D-amino acids play critical, specific roles in mammalian physiology, particularly in the brain and endocrine system.
• Metabolism of D-serine and D-aspartate is linked to neurological and endocrine disorders, necessitating further research.
• Enzymes like amino acid racemase and D-amino acid oxidase are key to D-amino acid metabolism.