METHYLGLYOXALASE Meaning and
Definition
-
Methylglyoxalase, also known as glyoxalase I or glutathione-dependent methylglyoxalase, is an enzyme involved in detoxification pathways in living organisms. It is responsible for the conversion of the reactive and toxic metabolite methylglyoxal (MGO) into D-lactate, which is a nontoxic compound and can be easily metabolized further. Methylglyoxalase is a key enzyme in the glyoxalase system, which is one of the major defense mechanisms against MGO-induced cellular damage.
The enzyme catalyzes a two-step reaction, starting with the formation of a hemithioacetal intermediate between the active site cysteine residue and methylglyoxal. This intermediate is further processed to produce D-lactate, along with the regeneration of the active enzyme. The reaction requires the presence of a tripeptide called glutathione, which acts as a cofactor and is crucial for the enzyme's activity.
Methylglyoxal, the substrate of methylglyoxalase, is a highly reactive compound that is formed as a byproduct of several metabolic processes, such as glycolysis and lipid peroxidation. It is known for its potential to induce cellular damage by reacting with various biomolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids, leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Therefore, the activity of methylglyoxalase plays a significant role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by preventing the accumulation of methylglyoxal and its downstream harmful effects.
Common Misspellings for METHYLGLYOXALASE
- nethylglyoxalase
- kethylglyoxalase
- jethylglyoxalase
- mwthylglyoxalase
- msthylglyoxalase
- mdthylglyoxalase
- mrthylglyoxalase
- m4thylglyoxalase
- m3thylglyoxalase
- merhylglyoxalase
- mefhylglyoxalase
- meghylglyoxalase
- meyhylglyoxalase
- me6hylglyoxalase
- me5hylglyoxalase
- metgylglyoxalase
- metbylglyoxalase
- metnylglyoxalase
- metjylglyoxalase
- metuylglyoxalase
Etymology of METHYLGLYOXALASE
The word "Methylglyoxalase" is derived from two main components: "methylglyoxal" and the suffix "-ase".
1. Methylglyoxal: Methylglyoxal is a compound consisting of two carbonyl groups (-CO) and a methyl group (-CH3). The term "methyl-" indicates the presence of a single carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. "Glyoxal" refers to a compound composed of a carbonyl group attached to two carbon atoms.
2. "-ase" suffix: "-ase" is a common suffix used in biochemistry to indicate an enzyme. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in living organisms. The "-ase" suffix is often added to the substrate or reactant on which the enzyme acts.
