Uridine

Uridine is a nucleoside that consists of uracil attached to a ribose (ribofuranose) ring via a β-N1-glycosidic bond. Uridine is one of the four standard nucleosides present in ribonucleic acid (RNA), where it pairs with adenine in the RNA structure.

Structure and Function

Uridine is composed of the pyrimidine base uracil and the pentose sugar ribose. It plays a crucial role in the synthesis of RNA and is involved in various biochemical processes, including the regulation of gene expression and the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Biosynthesis

Uridine is synthesized in the body through the de novo synthesis pathway or the salvage pathway. In the de novo pathway, uridine is produced from orotate and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) through a series of enzymatic reactions. In the salvage pathway, uridine can be formed from the breakdown products of RNA.

Role in the Body

Uridine is essential for the proper functioning of the central nervous system and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects. It is also involved in the synthesis of glycogen and the regulation of lipid metabolism. Uridine is a precursor to uridine triphosphate (UTP), which is important for glycosylation reactions and the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids.

Dietary Sources

Uridine can be obtained from various dietary sources, including brewer's yeast, beer, broccoli, fish, mushrooms, oats, parsley, sugarcane, tomatoes, and walnuts. It is also available as a dietary supplement.

Medical Applications

Uridine has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in various medical conditions, including bipolar disorder, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. It is also being investigated for its role in enhancing cognitive function and memory.

Related Pages

• Nucleoside
• Uracil
• Ribose
• RNA
• Gene expression
• Metabolism
• Central nervous system
• Neuroprotection
• Glycogen
• Lipid metabolism
• Glycosylation
• Glycoprotein
• Glycolipid
• Dietary supplement
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Alzheimer's disease
• Cognitive function
• Memory

See Also

• Nucleotide
• Cytidine
• Thymidine
• Adenosine
• Guanosine