Title: α-Methylated Polyamines as Potential Drugs and Experimental Tools in Enzymology
Volume: 7
Issue: 8
Author(s): Tuomo A. Keinanen, Aki Jarvinen, Anne Uimari, Jouko Vepsalainen, Alex R. Khomutov, Nikolay A. Grigorenko, Mervi T. Hyvonen, Marc Cerrada-Gimenez, Leena Alhonen and Juhani Janne
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Hypusine, liver regeneration, pancreatitis, polyamine oxidase, spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase, stereospecificity, transgenic
Abstract: We describe synthesis of α-methylated analogues of the natural polyamines and their use as tools in unraveling polyamine functions. Experiments with α-methylated spermidine and spermine revealed that the polyamines are exchangeable in supporting cellular growth. Degradation of the analogues by polyamine oxidase disclosed hidden, aldehydeguided stereospecificity of the enzyme.