Canaline
Canaline
Canaline is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that is structurally similar to ornithine. It is primarily found in certain leguminous plants and is known for its role as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme ornithine aminotransferase.
Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
Canaline is an analog of ornithine, differing by the presence of an oxygen atom in place of the terminal amino group. This structural modification imparts unique biochemical properties to canaline, making it a valuable tool in biochemical research.
Biosynthesis[edit | edit source]
Canaline is synthesized in plants through the modification of ornithine. The biosynthetic pathway involves the conversion of ornithine to canaline via the action of specific enzymes that introduce the oxygen atom into the molecule.
Biological Function[edit | edit source]
In plants, canaline serves as a defense compound against herbivores and pathogens. Its ability to inhibit ornithine aminotransferase disrupts the urea cycle and amino acid metabolism in organisms that consume the plant, thereby providing a protective advantage.
Inhibition of Ornithine Aminotransferase[edit | edit source]
Canaline is a potent inhibitor of ornithine aminotransferase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of ornithine to glutamate semialdehyde. This inhibition is due to the structural similarity between canaline and ornithine, allowing canaline to bind to the active site of the enzyme, thereby blocking its activity.
Applications in Research[edit | edit source]
Due to its inhibitory effects on ornithine aminotransferase, canaline is used in biochemical research to study the urea cycle and amino acid metabolism. It is also employed in studies investigating the role of ornithine aminotransferase in various physiological and pathological processes.
Toxicity[edit | edit source]
While canaline is beneficial to plants as a defense mechanism, it can be toxic to animals and humans if ingested in large quantities. The inhibition of ornithine aminotransferase can lead to disruptions in amino acid metabolism, which may result in adverse physiological effects.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
