Key research themes
1. How do different methionine sources vary in bioavailability and cellular metabolism across animal species?
This theme investigates the comparative bioavailability, uptake mechanisms, metabolic processing, and growth effects of various methionine forms, including DL-methionine, L-methionine, methionine hydroxy analogues (MHA and HMBi), and their precursors or derivatives across different animal models. Understanding these differences informs nutritional strategies in animal production and aquaculture and elucidates methionine metabolism at the cellular level.
2. What molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlie methionine restricted diets and their therapeutic potential in cancer and liver disease?
This theme covers the metabolic alterations caused by methionine restriction or supplementation and their implications for disease treatment, focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma, methionine dependence of tumor cells, and the use of methionine supplements in metabolic inherited diseases. It emphasizes molecular mechanisms involving methionine metabolism, methionine adenosyltransferase regulation, and therapeutic outcomes of methionine modulation.
3. How are methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) structure and enzymatic function regulated, and what implications does this have for methionine metabolism and drug design?
This theme focuses on the structural biology of MAT enzymes, which catalyze the formation of S-adenosylmethionine from methionine and ATP, integral to methylation reactions. Insights include oligomerization states, substrate binding, conformational flexibility, and active site architecture, informing enzymatic regulation and opportunities for rational drug targeting.