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Methylmalonic acid in aging and disease

Joanne Tejero1, Felicia Lazure2, Ana P Gomes2

  • 1Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|November 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Methylmalonic acid (MMA), a metabolic byproduct, has diverse functions beyond being a biomarker for vitamin B12 deficiency. Elevated MMA levels are linked to aging and various age-related diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Metabolism
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Metabolic byproducts are often considered waste.
  • Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is primarily known as a biomarker for vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Increased MMA levels can arise from various factors including B12 deficiency, genetic mutations, gut microbiota, and cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the multifaceted roles of methylmalonic acid (MMA).
  • To discuss the metabolic and signaling functions of MMA.
  • To explore the consequences of elevated MMA in aging and age-related diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on MMA.
  • Analysis of MMA's role in propionate metabolism.
  • Discussion of MMA's impact on cellular signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • MMA possesses diverse metabolic and signaling functions.
  • Elevated MMA levels are associated with the aging process.
  • Increased MMA contributes to several age-related human pathologies.

Conclusions:

  • Methylmalonic acid (MMA) has significant biological functions beyond its role as a clinical biomarker.
  • Understanding MMA's roles is crucial for addressing age-related diseases.
  • Further research into MMA metabolism and signaling is warranted.
Keywords:
agingdiseasemetabolismmethylmalonic acid

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