Spermine synthase

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2010 Jan;67(1):113-21. doi: 10.1007/s00018-009-0165-5. Epub 2009 Oct 27.

Abstract

Spermine is present in many organisms including animals, plants, some fungi, some archaea, and some bacteria. It is synthesized by spermine synthase, a highly specific aminopropyltransferase. This review describes spermine synthase structure, genetics, and function. Structural and biochemical studies reveal that human spermine synthase is an obligate dimer. Each monomer contains a C-terminal domain where the active site is located, a central linking domain that also forms the lid of the catalytic domain, and an N-terminal domain that is structurally very similar to S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase. Gyro mice, which have an X-chromosomal deletion including the spermine synthase (SMS) gene, lack all spermine and have a greatly reduced size, sterility, deafness, neurological abnormalities, and a tendency to sudden death. Mutations in the human SMS lead to a rise in spermidine and reduction of spermine causing Snyder-Robinson syndrome, an X-linked recessive condition characterized by mental retardation, skeletal defects, hypotonia, and movement disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromosomes, Human, X
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Spermidine / metabolism
  • Spermine / metabolism
  • Spermine Synthase / chemistry
  • Spermine Synthase / genetics
  • Spermine Synthase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Spermine
  • Spermine Synthase
  • Spermidine