Saccharopine Dehydrogenase (NADP+, L-glutamate-forming) Frank Matthews (drug Trafficker)

Saccharopine Dehydrogenase (NADP+, L-glutamate-forming) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the lysine degradation pathway, specifically in the amino acid metabolism. This enzyme catalyzes the sixth step of the lysine degradation pathway, which is a critical process for the catabolism of lysine, an essential amino acid in humans. The reaction facilitated by saccharopine dehydrogenase involves the conversion of saccharopine into L-glutamate and alpha-aminoadipate semialdehyde, utilizing NADP+ as a cofactor. This process is vital for the maintenance of amino acid balance within the body and has implications in various metabolic disorders.

Function

Saccharopine dehydrogenase operates within the mitochondria, where it contributes to the degradation of lysine, a process essential for energy production and the synthesis of other compounds. By converting saccharopine into L-glutamate and alpha-aminoadipate semialdehyde, it not only aids in the recycling of amino acids but also in the production of energy through the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) by providing L-glutamate, a key intermediate.

Genetics

The gene responsible for encoding saccharopine dehydrogenase is located on human chromosome 1. Mutations in this gene can lead to a rare metabolic disorder known as hyperlysinemia type II, characterized by an excess of lysine in the blood. This condition can result in various symptoms, including developmental delay and seizures, highlighting the importance of this enzyme in human health.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the function and regulation of saccharopine dehydrogenase is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disorders related to lysine degradation. Research into this enzyme could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for managing conditions like hyperlysinemia type II and potentially other metabolic diseases.

See Also

• Lysine degradation pathway
• Amino acid metabolism
• Metabolic disorders

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Frank Matthews (drug trafficker) was a notorious figure in the world of organized crime, particularly known for his role in the heroin and cocaine trade in the United States during the 1960s and early 1970s. Born on February 13, 1944, in Durham, North Carolina, Matthews rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful drug kingpins of his time, often compared to other infamous figures such as Pablo Escobar and Frank Lucas.

Early Life

Matthews grew up in a poor neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina. Seeking better opportunities, he moved to New York City in the early 1960s, where he quickly became involved in the city's burgeoning drug scene.

Criminal Career

By the late 1960s, Matthews had established a vast network for the distribution of heroin and cocaine, extending from New York to other major cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, Detroit, and Philadelphia. His operation was known for its sophistication and the use of violence to maintain control over the drug trade.

Disappearance

In 1973, facing charges for drug trafficking and the potential for a life sentence in prison, Matthews disappeared, leaving behind a fortune estimated at over $20 million. His fate remains one of the most enduring mysteries in the annals of American crime.

Legacy

Frank Matthews' story is a stark reminder of the dark side of the American dream and the devastating impact of the drug trade on communities across the United States. His life has been the subject of various documentaries and books, exploring the complexities of his criminal empire and his sudden disappearance.

See Also

• Organized crime
• Drug trafficking
• Pablo Escobar
• Frank Lucas