Lysine metabolism in man
Vianey-Liaud, C.; Divry, P.; Poinas, C.; Mathieu, M.
Annales de Biologie Clinique 49(1): 18-26
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3898 PMID: 1904693 Document Number: 377096
Lysine is an important amino acid: it is incorporated to collagene, one of the most important component of conjunctive tissue and, though, necessary for growth. It is also important for carnitine synthesis. Its intestinal absorption requires two transport systems that lysine shares with ornithine, arginine and cysteine for the former and with ornithine and arginine for the latter. The same transport systems are present in the hepatocytes, were lysine is extensively catabolized, and in renal tubular cells. The main catabolic pathway for lysine, via saccharopine, is a mitochondrial pathway leading to acetyl-CoA. The peroxisomal pathway, via pipecolic acid is of less physiological importance and is mainly active in brain. The existence of the two minor pathways, the acetyllysine pathway and the lysine-urea cycle, remains to be demonstrated.