American scientists have described in detail the mechanism by which the popular dietary supplement glutamine controls the implementation of the genetic program in the cell. The corresponding study was published in the journal Immunity, briefly reported by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (USA).
Experts have shown that alpha-ketoglutarate, an intracellular metabolite (breakdown product) of glutamine, plays an important role in the regulation of the genetic program of cell differentiation. In particular, the food additive alters the DNA-binding structures of one of the transcription factors, the CTCF protein.
The authors came to such conclusions in the course of experiments with a model system of immune T cells, which, in particular, differentiate in response to the action of parasites (viruses and bacteria). Scientists also investigated embryonic stem cells, which are capable of developing into any types of elementary structural units of the body.
The work of scientists makes it possible to understand the factors affecting cell differentiation. One of the practical applications of the study, scientists see a detailed study of the mechanisms of the immune response, the violation of which can lead to the development of a number of diseases, in particular, cancer.
Glutamine is one of the 20 amino acids that make up protein. It is the most abundant free amino acid in human blood. The substance is widely used as a food additive, in particular, in medical and sports nutrition.