Biotin (null)

Molecular Classification

Vitamin, Coenzyme, Organic compound, Organoheterocyclic compound, Small molecule

Other Names

Vitamin B7, Vitamin H, Hexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazole-4-pentanoic acid, Biotine (French, Dutch), Biotina (Italian), Vitamina H (Italian), Biotyna (Polish), Vitamine B8 (French)

Disease Roles

Deficiency leads to metabolic disorders (multiple carboxylase deficiency, skin rash, neurological symptoms)Congenital biotinidase deficiency (inborn error of metabolism)"Other" (no direct role in cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease by itself, but impaired carboxylase function may be related to broader metabolic or developmental syndromes)

Biotin Overview

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin (B7/H) with a fused ring structure (ureido and tetrahydrothiophene) and a valeric acid side chain, functioning as a coenzyme in carboxylase enzymes that mediate key steps in metabolism (fatty acid synthesis, breakdown of amino acids, gluconeogenesis). Found in most tissues and synthesized by intestinal bacteria, biotin deficiency often leads to metabolic and neurological disorders. Biotin’s tight binding to proteins like avidin/streptavidin facilitates its extensive use in biotechnology. It is not itself a direct target for pharmaceuticals, but it is essential for normal cellular physiology and is commonly included in vitamin supplements.

Mechanism of Action

As a coenzyme, biotin binds carboxylase enzymes, facilitating transfer of CO₂ in metabolic reactions Non-drug mechanism of action: carrier for carboxylation reactions in metabolism In laboratory applications: biotin’s high-affinity binding to avidin/streptavidin is used in assays and molecular biology

Biological Functions

Cofactor in carboxylase enzymes

Fatty acid synthesis

Branched-chain amino acid catabolism

Gluconeogenesis

Chromatin structure regulation (histone biotinylation)

Gene expression regulation

Disease Associations

Deficiency leads to metabolic disorders (multiple carboxylase deficiency, skin rash, neurological symptoms)

Congenital biotinidase deficiency (inborn error of metabolism)

"Other" (no direct role in cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease by itself, but impaired carboxylase function may be related to broader metabolic or developmental syndromes)

Safety Considerations

Very low toxicity at nutritional doses
High-dose supplementation can interfere with laboratory tests for thyroid hormones and other immunoassays
Deficiency due to genetic biotinidase inactivity, poor diet, or certain medical conditions leads to symptoms, but biotin itself is not typically toxic

Interacting Drugs

None – no drugs target biotin itself; it is sometimes used in combination vitamin therapies

Drugs or molecules used in laboratory settings for biotinylation, detection, or affinity purification (such as streptavidin or avidin conjugates)

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
Blood biotin levels (used to assess deficiency)
Urine and plasma carboxylase activity
Biotinidase enzyme activity (for diagnosis of deficiency)