Methionine Metabolism in Filarial Worms
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Date
1980-09
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University of Ghana
Abstract
Adult filariae apparently lack the vitamin BI2-dependent and -independent methyltransferases for the de novo synthesis of methionine and seem to meet their requirement of this amino acid from an exogenous source and the activity of S-adenosylmethionine(AdoMet):homocysteine S-methyltransferase The properties of filarial AdoMet:homocysteine methyl transferase were similar to the analogous microbial enzyme. However, adult filariae possess the enzymatic capability to metabolize methionine to cyst(e)ine.
When incubated in the presence of L-{CH3-14C} methionine to induce them to synthesise AdoMet, adult Dirofilaria immitis incorporated the radiolabel into phospholipid and protein fractions. The significance of filarial methionine metabolism especially with regard to its suitability as a potential target for antifilarial chemotherapy is discussed.