 |
|
Enzyme discovery sheds light on vitamin D
July 25, 2007Surprising findings by Queen's researchers have shed new light on how the "sunshine vitamin" D - increasingly used to treat and prevent cancer and other diseases - is broken down by our bodies.
"The effectiveness of vitamin D therapy is partly dependent on how quickly it will be broken down," says Biochemistry professor Glenville Jones, an expert in the field of vitamin D metabolism. "By studying the enzyme responsible for breaking down the vitamin, we hope to develop a way to prevent this from happening by blocking that response."
First observed in Dr. Jones's lab by undergraduate Biochemistry student Brendan O'Leary, the discovery reveals that changing a single amino acid in the hydroxylase enzyme will cause it to take a completely different pathway. Although scientists have known for 25 years that the enzyme is capable of taking two different pathways, until now they could not explain why this occurs.
The team's findings are published on-line in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Other members include: research associate David Prosser, PhD student Martin Kaufmann, and research technician Valarie Byford.
Earlier study of the enzyme had shown that its pathway pattern is species specific. Some species, including humans and rats, favour one pathway, while others - most notably the opossum - favour the other pathway.
Using a technique called liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, the researchers studied cells from animals in both categories. They changed the human enzyme in certain key places to see if this would affect its pathway pattern.
Surprisingly, they discovered that altering a single amino acid completely changes the enzyme from a human pattern to an opossum pattern. This change can be flicked back and forth "like a light switch," says Dr. Jones, adding: "It's remarkable. In biochemistry you rarely see that kind of predictive work from modeling molecules and enzymes."
The Queen's researchers believe the hydroxylase enzyme plays an important role in human cell functions. When vitamin D drugs are used in an attempt to arrest certain types of cancer, for example, the tumour responds by making more of this enzyme. "If we can block the tumour response, we should be able to successfully treat some tumours with vitamin D compounds," says Dr. Jones, whose research is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Vitamin D deficiency has also been correlated with other diseases, including multiple sclerosis, muscle weakness, and bone-related disorders, he notes.
Queen's University
The team's findings are published on-line in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Other members include: research associate David Prosser, PhD student Martin Kaufmann, and research technician Valarie Byford.
Earlier study of the enzyme had shown that its pathway pattern is species specific. Some species, including humans and rats, favour one pathway, while others - most notably the opossum - favour the other pathway.
Using a technique called liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, the researchers studied cells from animals in both categories. They changed the human enzyme in certain key places to see if this would affect its pathway pattern.
Surprisingly, they discovered that altering a single amino acid completely changes the enzyme from a human pattern to an opossum pattern. This change can be flicked back and forth "like a light switch," says Dr. Jones, adding: "It's remarkable. In biochemistry you rarely see that kind of predictive work from modeling molecules and enzymes."
The Queen's researchers believe the hydroxylase enzyme plays an important role in human cell functions. When vitamin D drugs are used in an attempt to arrest certain types of cancer, for example, the tumour responds by making more of this enzyme. "If we can block the tumour response, we should be able to successfully treat some tumours with vitamin D compounds," says Dr. Jones, whose research is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Vitamin D deficiency has also been correlated with other diseases, including multiple sclerosis, muscle weakness, and bone-related disorders, he notes.
Queen's University
Enzyme Current Events and Enzyme News RSSKnockouts in human cells point to pathogenic targets
Whitehead researchers have developed a new type of genetic screen for human cells to pinpoint specific genes and proteins used by pathogens, according to their paper in Science.
Carvedilol shown to have unique characteristics among beta blockers
In a new study, researchers report that a class of heart medications called beta-blockers can have a helpful, or harmful, effect on the heart, depending on their molecular activity.
Cancer metabolism discovery uncovers new role of IDH1 gene mutation in brain cancer
Agios Pharmaceuticals today announced that its scientists have established, for the first time, that the mutated IDH1 gene has a novel enzyme activity consistent with a cancer-causing gene, or oncogene.
Cancers' Sweet Tooth May Be Weakness
The pedal-to-the-metal signals driving the growth of several types of cancer cells lead to a common switch governing the use of glucose, researchers at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University have discovered.
GEN reports on enhancing the applications of qPCR
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology is experiencing a surge of interest and rapid expansion as a result of advances such as instrumentation that pushes capacity to 1,536 wells and optimization-free multiplexing.
Texas A&M Researchers Examine How Viruses Destroy Bacteria
Viruses are well known for attacking humans and animals, but some viruses instead attack bacteria. Texas A&M University researchers are exploring how hungry viruses, armed with transformer-like weapons, attack bacteria, which may aid in the treatment of bacterial infections.
UCR plant scientist's research spawns new discoveries showing how crops survive drought
Breakthrough research done earlier this year by a plant cell biologist at the University of California, Riverside has greatly accelerated scientists' knowledge on how plants and crops can survive difficult environmental conditions such as drought.
Tiny particles can deliver antioxidant enzyme to injured heart cells
Researchers at Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed microscopic polymer beads that can deliver an antioxidant enzyme made naturally by the body into the heart.
Research reveals lipids' unexpected role in triggering death of brain cells
The lipid that accumulates in brain cells of individuals with an inherited enzyme disorder also drives the cell death that is a hallmark of the disease, according to new research led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators.
No-entry zones for AIDS virus
The AIDS virus inserts its genetic material into the genome of the infected cell. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Center have now shown for the first time that the virus almost entirely spares particular sites in the human genetic material in this process. This finding may be useful for developing new, specific AIDS drugs.
More Enzyme Current Events and Enzyme News Articles
 |
The Enzyme Factor by Hiromi Shinya (Author) Translated into English for the first time is the book that has taken Japan by storm, selling 100,000 copies every month for the past year. In "The Enzyme Factor", Dr. Hiromi Shinya presents his research, grounded in his 45 years of medical practice in the United States and Japan. This research supports the idea of a miracle enzyme out of which all the enzymes the body needs are produced. He suggests cancer and other diseases occur when this key enzyme is depleted and cannot properly do its job. In this book he clearly shows how what we eat affects that key. Dr. Shinya's science is clearly explained and easy to understand. The suggestions for diet and lifestyle based on this science are simple and easy to follow. Even those who think they know everything about how to eat right... |
 |
Source Naturals Daily Essential Enzymes, 500 mg, Capsules, 360 capsules by Source Naturals Enzyme supplement. Digestive aid. Bio Algin. 1st Place winner 2004 VITY awards. Each vegetarian capsule contains 500 mg of an all - vegetarian, broad spectrum blend of digestive enzymes. Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.) |
 |
Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes: A Simple Guide to Using Enzymes to Treat Everything from Digestive Problems and Allergies to Migraines and Arthritis by Tom Bohager (Author) We all know that better health doesn't come from one magical, cure-all pill. But what you should know is that it can come from readily available, over-the-counter enzyme supplements. Tom Bohager's Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes offers simple, natural methods for improving your health dramatically without dramatic changes in lifestyle. Bohager's quick course explains how to use enzymes for general god health and to treat specific ailments. As health care costs in the United States soar, more and more people are interested in improving their health through safe, affordable, noninvasive, nonprescription remedies. Enzymes in particular are gaining popularity because of their proven effectiveness and ease of use. For readers interested in improving digestion, strengthening the... |
 |
Rainbow Light Advanced Enzyme System, Plant-Source, Vcaps, 180 vcaps by Rainbow Light Enzyme supplement. 50% More free. Potent & full support. Eases digestive discomfort. Plant-source enzymes. Superior VegeGuard Digestive Support with plant-source enzymes and soothing botanicals. Advanced Enzyme System formula provides: Potent, full-spectrum enzyme support - from a broad range of enzymes, including brush border enzymes to help break down all types of food including difficult-to-digest carbohydrates. Relief from digestive discomfort - with enzyme rich foods and targeted botanicals to help alleviate occasional gas and bloating. (This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.) Plant-source enzymes - to supplement enzyme-depleted foods including cooked or processed foods.... |
 |
Enzyme Nutrition by Edward Howell (Author) Dr. Howell is often called the "father of food enzymes." During the '30's and'40's of this century, he did incredible research to prove that food enzymeswere an essential nutrient, and that cooking and processing of foods destroythem, thereby creating dramatic changes in our ability to digest food and remain healthy. This is a classic in the field. |
 |
Source Naturals Daily Essential Enzymes in Vegetarian Capsules, 500 mg, Capsules, 240 capsules by Source Naturals Enzyme supplement. Digestive aid. Bio Algin. Vegetarian. 1st Place winner VITY awards. Each vegetarian capsule contains 500 mg of an all - vegetarian, broad spectrum blend of digestive enzymes. Suitable for vegetarians. Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.) |
 |
Enzymes: A Practical Introduction to Structure, Mechanism, and Data Analysis by Robert A. Copeland (Author) Fully updated and expanded-a solid foundation for understanding experimental enzymology. This practical, up-to-date survey is designed for a broad spectrum of biological and chemical scientists who are beginning to delve into modern enzymology. Enzymes, Second Edition explains the structural complexities of proteins and enzymes and the mechanisms by which enzymes perform their catalytic functions. The book provides illustrative examples from the contemporary literature to guide the reader through concepts and data analysis procedures. Clear, well-written descriptions simplify the complex mathematical treatment of enzyme kinetic data, and numerous citations at the end of each chapter enable the reader to access the primary literature and more in-depth treatments of specific... |
 |
Super Enzymes 180 tabs by NOW NOW Super Enzyme tablets are a comprehensive blend of enzymes that support healthy digestive functions. Bromelain, Ox Bile, Pancreatin and Papain have been formulated to optimize the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and protein for maximum assimilation. * Picture may be of different size or flavor |
 |
Enzymes: What the Experts Know by Tom Bohager (Author) This book throughly describes the role of Enzymes Therapy in restoring, promoting and maintaing optimal health. The topics covered in depth are as follows; Definition of what an Enzyme is, the 4 types, the history of enzyme therapy, animal vs plant-based enzyme therapy, the digestive system, the use of therapeutic enzymes, specific enzymes in therapy, determining enzyme potency, proper pH, the microlflora (bacteria) connection, the immune system, physical fitness, choosing the correct supplement, enzyme deficiency testing, proteases and their effect on probiotics and a discussion of glucoreductase |
 |
Enzymes & Enzyme Therapy : How to Jump-Start Your Way to Lifelong Good Health by Anthony Cichoke (Author), Abram Hoffer MD (Author), Anthony J. Cichoke DC (Author) Enzymes--living substances that regulate health--work with certain minerals in our bodies to form an antioxidant system that fights corrosive free radicals. This fully updated second edition explains how to make the most of this amazing natural partnership to speed recovery from injury and lessen the effects of back pain, multiple sclerosis, viruses, and fatigue. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |