Homocysteine metabolism enzyme

"Homocysteine metabolism enzyme" is not a single molecular target but refers collectively to several key **enzymes involved in the metabolic pathways that regulate homocysteine levels**. The main enzymes include: 1. **Methionine synthase** – catalyzes remethylation of homocysteine to methionine using 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and vitamin B12 as cofactors. 2. **Betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase** – catalyzes an alternative remethylation using betaine as a methyl donor, mainly in liver and kidney. 3. **Cystathionine β-synthase** – initiates transsulfuration by converting homocysteine and serine into cystathionine; requires vitamin B6. 4. **Cystathionine γ–lyase** – converts cystathionine into cysteine, ammonia, and α-ketobutyrate; also requires vitamin B6. 5. **Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)** – produces 5-methyltetrahydrofolate for use by methionine synthase. These enzymes are essential for maintaining normal cellular function through their roles in amino acid interconversion, methyl group transfer for DNA/protein/lipid methylation, and antioxidant defense via glutathione synthesis[2][3][4]. Genetic defects or nutritional deficiencies affecting these enzymes can lead to elevated plasma homocysteine—a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other pathologies[1][2][3]. Because "homocysteine metabolism enzyme" is not a unique protein but rather a functional category encompassing multiple distinct proteins/enzymes with different gene products and regulatory mechanisms, this entry is considered too broad or non-specific as a canonical drug target. If you need structured information on any individual enzyme within this system—such as "methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase," "methionine synthase," or "cystathionin beta-synthase"—please specify which one so that detailed data can be provided at the appropriate molecular resolution. > “Homocysteinemia” is managed clinically by supplementing vitamins that serve as cofactors for these enzymatic reactions—primarily folic acid/B9, cobalamin/B12, and pyridoxal phosphate/B6—to lower blood levels of homocysteinemia through enhanced enzymatic conversion pathways[5][6]. In summary: “Homocysteine metabolism enzyme” refers collectively to several critical metabolic enzymes rather than one discrete therapeutic target protein; thus it should be replaced with the name of an individual enzyme when seeking structured pharmacological information.

Other names

Enzymes of homocysteine metabolismMethionine cycle enzymesTranssulfuration pathway enzymesRemethylation pathway enzymes

Cofactor supplementation to enhance enzymatic activity or bypass deficiencies in the metabolic pathway