Analysis of intracellular S-adenosylmethionine adaptation mechanism

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K07321
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 48040:Medical biochemistry-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Shima Hiroki 東北大学, 医学系研究科, 助手 (00448268)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: S-adenosylmethionine

Outline of Final Research Achievements

S-adenosylmethionine is an essential metabolite as the primary methyl group donor in methylation reactions of DNA, RNA and proteins and is synthesized by the enzyme called methionine adenosyl transferase (MAT). SAM homeostasis is an issue of importance for living cells, and therefore, production of SAM is spatiotemporally controlled. We obtained cues to uncover what is caused by extraordinary intracellular SAM level and the mechanism how cells control MAT to achieve appropriate SAM production.

Free Research Field

分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により、細胞外環境の変化への応答、あるいは細胞分化において細胞内メチル化が介するエピゲノム調節のためにMATを制御することが重要であることが示唆される。さらに、なぜSAM産生が制御されなければならないかという点が明らかにすることにより、SAMあるいはメチル化が関与するがん細胞のバイオロジーの解明、治療薬の開発にも貢献できる。