Abstract
This review systematizes current data on branched-chain aminotransferases (BCATs). Their molecular structure, classification as fold type IV pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes, and catalytic features are discussed in detail. The differences between the two main isoenzymes — mitochondrial (BCATm) and cytosolic (BCATc) — their tissue specificity and functions are highlighted. The key role of BCATs in BCAA metabolism is outlined, including the regulation of protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway, glucose and nitrogen homeostasis. Particular attention is paid to the pathogenetic significance of BCATs: their involvement in the development of neurodegenerative diseases (via the synthesis of the neurotransmitter glutamate), oncological processes (glioblastoma, leukemias, gastric and breast cancer), as well as their association with insulin resistance and aging. The potential of BCATs as targets for pharmacological intervention, specifically the inhibition of BCATc by gabapentin, is discussed. The prospects for studying BCATs to develop new therapeutic strategies for metabolic, neurological, and oncological diseases are considered.
Keywords
Authors and affiliations
https://elibrary.ru/qcurco
A.K. Martusevich(1, 3, 4), A.N. Tuzhilkin(1), A.D. Chernysheva(3), A.V. Popov(2)
1-National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarin av., 23, Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russian Federation; 2-Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of bioorganic chemistry RAS, Miklucho-Maklay st., 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russian Federation; 3Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Nizhny Novgorod State Agrotechnological University
named after L.Ya. Florentyev”, Gagarin av., 97, Nizhny Novgorod, 603117, Russian Federation;
4-Association of Russian Ozone Therapy, Panin st., 9, Nizhny Novgorod, 603117, Russian Federation
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