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Methyltransferase Enzymes in the Metabolism of Physiologically Active Compounds and Drugs

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Concepts in Biochemical Pharmacology

Abstract

There are a number of methyltransferase enzymes that have been found to be involved in the biosynthesis and inaetivation of physiologically active compounds and in the metabolism of drugs. The methyl donor for these reactions is S-adenosylmethionine which is formed from a methionine-activating enzyme as follows (Cantoni and Durell, 1957):

$$ Methionine\,\, + \,\,AR - P - P - P\,\,S - adenosylmethione\,\, + \,\,pyrophosphate\,\, + \,\,Pi $$

Depending on the enzyme, methyltransferases can transfer the methyl group of S-adenosylmethionine to oxygen or nitrogen to form a methylated product and homocysteine. This report will describe the properties of a number of methyltransferases, their physiological significance and control.

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  1. Julius Axelrod
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  1. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20014, USA

    Bernard B. Brodie  & James R. Gillette  & 

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Axelrod, J. (1971). Methyltransferase Enzymes in the Metabolism of Physiologically Active Compounds and Drugs. In: Brodie, B.B., Gillette, J.R., Ackerman, H.S. (eds) Concepts in Biochemical Pharmacology. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology / Handbuch der experimentellen Pharmakologie, vol 28 / 2. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65177-9_35

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