Glutamine Assay Kit (Colorimetric)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Glutamine often abbreviated as Gln is an amino acid with a molecular weight of approximately 146.15 g/mol. It serves as a significant nitrogen donor in cellular processes and contributes to synthesizing nucleotides and amino acids. The amino acid is non-essential meaning the body can synthesize it as needed mainly produced in muscles and distributed via the bloodstream to other tissues including the liver brain and immune cells. Glutamine's role in ammonia transportation is notable as it helps in detoxifying ammonium ions. It influences cellular proliferation through its involvement in various cellular functions.

Biological function summary

Glutamine plays an important role in supporting rapid cell division and growth such as in the immune system and intestinal tract. It forms part of the larger metabolic function known as glutaminolysis which provides energy and precursors for biosynthesis. Within cells glutamine works in tandem with several enzymes and transport proteins such as glutamine synthetase which regulates its production and use. The connection with the liver is significant as the organ converts glutamine into glucose and ammonium with glutamate acting as an intermediary.

Pathways

The role of glutamine extends to important areas like the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the glutamate-glutamine cycle. In the TCA cycle it serves as a carbon source feeding into gluconeogenesis and other biosynthetic pathways. The conversion to glutamate followed by other downstream metabolites links glutamine closely to amino acid metabolism. Important proteins like glutamate dehydrogenase facilitate these conversions and highlight the interconnected nature of these metabolic pathways.

Associated diseases and disorders

Abnormalities in glutamine metabolism have associations with conditions such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Cancer cells often exhibit increased glutamine uptake supporting their rapid growth through metabolic pathways like glutaminolysis. On the other hand neurodegenerative diseases involve disruptions in the glutamate-glutamine cycle implicating excitotoxicity-related proteins like NMDA receptors. Altered levels of glutamine and associated proteins in these diseases suggest potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers emphasizing its role in cellular health and disease progression.