The clinical manifestations of abnormal adenosylcobalamin (Ado- Cb1) and methylcobalamin (Me-Cb1) biosynthesis are methylmalonicaciduria and homocystinuria (combined or single) which can produce mental retardation, neuropathy and megaloblastic anemia. The long-term goal of this project is to elucidate the mechanisms of Ado-Cb1 and Me-Cb1 biosynthesis and to gain an understanding of the factors that regulate their production, interconversion and degradation.
The specific aims to be accomplished over the next three years are to: (1) Identify the precursors of Cb1 coenzymes in mammalian cells by high- performance liquid chromatography; (2) Purify Ado-Cb1 coenzyme synthetase from rat liver mitochondria and determine the physical, biochemical and kinetic properties of the complex; 3) Characterize the in vitro conversion of Me-Cb1 to Ado-Cb1 and attempt to purify the enzyme responsible for the initial demethylation reaction; and, 4) Investigate relevant cobala-min- reductant (e.g. thiol groups, reduced flavins) interactions in chemical model systems as a means of understanding potentially significant metabolic steps in the biosynthesis of Cb1 coenzymes. The objectives will be accomplished by: (1) Extracting cultured fibroblasts, leukemia L1210 cells and rat tissues using mild techniques to preserve structural integrity of labile naturally- occurring cobalamins; (2) Characterizing Ado-Cb1 coenzyme synthetase with respect to substrate specificity, Cb1 analog interaction and resolution of the complex into its component parts (Cb1 reduction versus Cb1 adenosylation); (3) Employment of appropriate cellular model systems (e.g. leukemia L1210 cells and Protaminobacter ruber) that are known to have Me-Cb1 demethylating activity; and, (4) Utilization of polarographic, spectrophotometric, and fast-reaction techniques to study corrinoid-ligand interactions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK035080-03
Application #
3233306
Study Section
Biochemistry Study Section (BIO)
Project Start
1984-07-01
Project End
1990-08-31
Budget Start
1988-09-01
Budget End
1989-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Cleveland Clinic Lerner
Department
Type
DUNS #
017730458
City
Cleveland
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
44195