S-methyl-L-phosphocysteine

S-Methyl-L-phosphocysteine (SMPC) is a synthetic small molecule and a phosphorylated prodrug of S-methyl-L-cysteine (SMC). It was developed primarily to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic delivery of SMC, a naturally occurring amino acid found in plants such as garlic and onions. SMPC is being investigated in preclinical research for its potential neuroprotective effects, particularly in models of Parkinson's disease. Its mechanism of action involves the systemic release of S-methyl-L-cysteine, which acts as a precursor to glutathione, thereby enhancing antioxidant defenses and protecting dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Additionally, SMPC is utilized in biochemical research as a specialized substrate for studying C-S lyase enzymes, such as alliinase.

Other names

S-methyl-L-phosphocysteineS-methylphosphocysteineSMPCO-phospho-S-methyl-L-cysteine