Int J Biochem Mol Biol 2011;2(1):8-23
Review Article
Argininosuccinate synthase: at the center of arginine metabolism
Ricci J. Haines, Laura C. Pendleton, Duane C. Eichler
Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC Box 7, Tampa, Florida
33612, USA.
Received September 28, 2010; accepted October 3, 2010; Epub October 8, 2010; published February 15, 2011
Abstract: The levels of L-arginine, a cationic, semi-essential amino acid, are often controlled within a cell at the level of local availability
through biosynthesis. The importance of this temporal and spatial control of cellular L-arginine is highlighted by the tissue specific roles of
argininosuccinate synthase (argininosuccinate synthetase) (EC 6.3.4.5), as the rate-limiting step in the conversion of L-citrulline to L-arginine.
Since its discovery, the function of argininosuccinate synthase has been linked almost exclusively to hepatic urea production
despite the fact that alternative pathways involving argininosuccinate synthase were defined, such as its role in providing arginine for creatine
and for polyamine biosynthesis. However, it was the discovery of nitric oxide that meaningfully extended our understanding of the
metabolic importance of non-hepatic argininosuccinate synthase. Indeed, our knowledge of the number of tissues that manage distinct pools
of arginine under the control of argininosuccinate synthase has expanded significantly. (IJBMB1009003).
Keywords: Argininosuccinate synthase; arginine metabolism; nitric oxide; arginase; urea cycle, arginine recycling
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Duane C. Eichler, PhD
Department of Molecular Medicine
University of South Florida, College of Medicine
12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC Box 7
Tampa, Florida 33612
USA.
Tel: 813 974-9716, Fax: 813 974-7357
E-mail: deichler@health.usf.edu
Review Article
Argininosuccinate synthase: at the center of arginine metabolism
Ricci J. Haines, Laura C. Pendleton, Duane C. Eichler
Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC Box 7, Tampa, Florida
33612, USA.
Received September 28, 2010; accepted October 3, 2010; Epub October 8, 2010; published February 15, 2011
Abstract: The levels of L-arginine, a cationic, semi-essential amino acid, are often controlled within a cell at the level of local availability
through biosynthesis. The importance of this temporal and spatial control of cellular L-arginine is highlighted by the tissue specific roles of
argininosuccinate synthase (argininosuccinate synthetase) (EC 6.3.4.5), as the rate-limiting step in the conversion of L-citrulline to L-arginine.
Since its discovery, the function of argininosuccinate synthase has been linked almost exclusively to hepatic urea production
despite the fact that alternative pathways involving argininosuccinate synthase were defined, such as its role in providing arginine for creatine
and for polyamine biosynthesis. However, it was the discovery of nitric oxide that meaningfully extended our understanding of the
metabolic importance of non-hepatic argininosuccinate synthase. Indeed, our knowledge of the number of tissues that manage distinct pools
of arginine under the control of argininosuccinate synthase has expanded significantly. (IJBMB1009003).
Keywords: Argininosuccinate synthase; arginine metabolism; nitric oxide; arginase; urea cycle, arginine recycling
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Duane C. Eichler, PhD
Department of Molecular Medicine
University of South Florida, College of Medicine
12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC Box 7
Tampa, Florida 33612
USA.
Tel: 813 974-9716, Fax: 813 974-7357
E-mail: deichler@health.usf.edu
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |