Alpha-aminoadipic acid

Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid (also known as α-Aminoadipic Acid or Aminoadipic Acid) is a biochemical compound that is a derivative of lysine metabolism. It is classified as a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is not directly involved in the synthesis of proteins.

Structure and Properties

Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid is a six-carbon, straight-chain amino acid. It has a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end and an amino group (-NH2) at the other, with four methylene groups (-CH2-) in between. The presence of these functional groups gives the compound its acidic and basic properties, respectively.

Biological Role

In humans, Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid is a metabolic intermediate in the lysine degradation pathway. The enzyme lysine 6-dehydrogenase converts lysine to Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid. This compound can then be further metabolized to produce energy.

In some bacteria and fungi, Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of lysine. The enzyme aminoadipate reductase converts Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid to a semialdehyde, which is then further processed to produce lysine.

Clinical Significance

Elevated levels of Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid in the body can be indicative of certain medical conditions. For example, it has been associated with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, a rare genetic disorder. In addition, some studies have suggested a link between high levels of Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

See Also

• Lysine
• Amino Acid
• Metabolism
• Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy
• Type 2 diabetes