ISSN:
0263-6484
Keywords:
Biochemistry
;
polyamines
;
putrescine
;
spermidine
;
spermine
;
ornithine decarboxylase
;
biosynthesis
;
cell proliferation
;
oxidized polyamines
;
Chemistry
;
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
The naturally-occurring polyamines exist in the free form, as N-acetyl derivatives and bound to protein. Their biosynthesis is subject to sensitive control, particularly of ornithine decarboxylase. This enzyme may be multifunctional and a key regulatory protein. Studies, principally with selective inhibitors, have elucidated the roles of polyamines in cell proliferation. Oxidized polyamines, in contrast, can be potent mitotic inhibitors. These effects are reviewed in terms of their chemistry and biochemistry. Their principal distinctions are that they can be made or degraded intracellularly, they can associate electrostatically with macromolecules by means of their spaced cationic groups, and these can be readily converted to covalent bonds.
Additional Material:
6 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cbf.290010302
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