What is the Origin of One-Carbon Cycle?

Named for the transfer of one-carbon moieties, often derived from dietary folate or choline, which are crucial donors in methylation reactions. This pathway is central to the methylation cycle, impacting the synthesis of various biomolecules.

What is the Mechanism of One-Carbon Cycle?

The cycle regenerates methionine from homocysteine using B vitamins as cofactors, producing SAM, the universal methyl donor. SAM is then utilized for methylating DNA, proteins, and neurotransmitter precursors, which directly affects the expression of genes coding for hormone receptors and metabolic enzymes. Insufficient flux through this cycle impairs detoxification pathways and compromises the epigenetic landscape governing endocrine function.

One-Carbon Cycle ∞ Area

One-Carbon Cycle

Meaning

A critical sequence of biochemical reactions, also known as the folate cycle and methionine cycle, responsible for transferring single carbon units (methyl groups) required for essential biosynthetic processes, including DNA methylation and the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). This cycle is inextricably linked to the efficient function of many endocrine systems, particularly methylation of hormones and receptors. It is a fundamental process of cellular epigenetics and detoxification.