Formaldehyde regulates S-adenosylmethionine biosynthesis and one-carbon metabolism
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ABSTRACT: One-carbon metabolism is an essential branch of cellular metabolism that intersects with epigenetic regulation. Here, we show formaldehyde, a one-carbon unit derived from both endogenous sources and environmental exposure, regulates one-carbon metabolism by inhibiting the biosynthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the major methyl donor in cells. Formaldehyde reacts with privileged, hyperreactive cysteine sites in the proteome, including Cys120 in S-adenosylmethionine synthase isoform type-1 (MAT1A). Formaldehyde exposure inhibited MAT1A activity and decreased SAM production with MAT-isoform specificity. A genetic mouse model of chronic formaldehyde overload showed a decrease in SAM and in methylation on selected histones and genes. Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of Mat1a and related genes function as compensatory mechanisms for formaldehyde-dependent SAM depletion, revealing a biochemical feedback cycle between formaldehyde and SAM one-carbon units.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE242266 | GEO | 2023/09/05
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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