γ-Glutamylamines and neurodegenerative diseases

Amino Acids. 2013 Jan;44(1):129-42. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1209-3. Epub 2012 Mar 10.

Abstract

Transglutaminases catalyze the formation of γ-glutamylamines utilizing glutamyl residues and amine-bearing compounds such as lysyl residues and polyamines. These γ-glutamylamines can be released from proteins by proteases in an intact form. The free γ-glutamylamines can be catabolized to 5-oxo-L-proline and the free amine by γ-glutamylamine cyclotransferase. Free γ-glutamylamines, however, accumulate in the CSF and affected areas of Huntington Disease brain. This observation suggests transglutaminase-derived γ-glutamylamines may play a more significant role in neurodegeneration than previously thought. The following monograph reviews the metabolism of γ-glutamylamines and examines the possibility that these species contribute to neurodegeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amines / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Dipeptides / metabolism*
  • Glutamine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / enzymology*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Transglutaminases / physiology
  • gamma-Glutamylcyclotransferase / physiology

Substances

  • Amines
  • Dipeptides
  • Glutamine
  • epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)-lysine
  • Transglutaminases
  • gamma-Glutamylcyclotransferase
  • Lysine