The application of a chemical determination of N-homocysteinylation levels in developing mouse embryos: implication for folate responsive birth defects.

ABSTRACT: Elevated homocysteine levels have long been associated with various disease states, including cardiovascular disease and birth defects, including neural tube defects (NTDs). One hypothesis regarding the strong correlation between these various disorders and high levels of homocysteine is that a reactive form of this small molecule can attach to mammalian proteins in a phenomenon known as homocysteinylation. These posttranslational modifications may become antigenic or may even directly disrupt certain protein function. It remains to be determined whether dietary influences that can cause globally increased levels of circulating homocysteine confer negative effects maternally, or may otherwise negatively and materially impact the metabolic balance in developing embryos. Herein we present th

SUBMITTER: Fathe K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4375028 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature