The evolution of vitamin C biosynthesis and transport in animals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vitamin C (VC) is an indispensable antioxidant and co-factor for optimal function and development of eukaryotic cells. In animals, VC can be synthesized by the organism, acquired through the diet, or both. In the single VC synthesis pathway described in animals, the penultimate step is catalysed by Regucalcin, and the last step by L-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO). The GULO gene has been implicated in VC synthesis only, while Regucalcin has been shown to have multiple functions in mammals.

Results

Both GULO and Regucalcin can be found in non-bilaterian, protostome and deuterostome species. Regucalcin, as here shown, is involved in multiple functions such as VC synthesis, calcium homeostasis, and the oxidative stress response in both Deuterostomes and Protostomes, and

SUBMITTER: Duque P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9233358 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature