The Chemical Constitution of Spermine

Dudley, Harold Ward; Rosenheim, Otto; Starling, W. W.

doi:10.1042/bj0201082

Cited by 53 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Because the described polyamine occurs in high concentration in sperm, the name spermine [N,butane-1,4-diamine] was designated (Ladenburg and Abel 1888). The structure and chemical synthesis of this compound were not established until much later (1926) (Dudley et al 1926;Wrede 1925). Accordingly, the name spermidine was given to a previously chemically synthesized bovine pancreatic polyamine [N-(3-aminopropyl)butane-1,4-diamine] (Dudley et al 1927).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polyamines: essential factors for growth and survival

Kusano

Berberich

Tateda

et al. 2008

Planta

784

574

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Polyamines are low molecular weight, aliphatic polycations found in the cells of all living organisms. Due to their positive charges, polyamines bind to macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. They are involved in diverse processes, including regulation of gene expression, translation, cell proliferation, modulation of cell signalling, and membrane stabilization. They also modulate the activities of certain sets of ion channels. Because of these multifaceted functions, the homeostasis of polyamines is crucial and is ensured through regulation of biosynthesis, catabolism, and transport. Through isolation of the genes involved in plant polyamine biosynthesis and loss-of-function experiments on the corresponding genes, their essentiality for growth is reconfirmed. Polyamines are also involved in stress responses and diseases in plants, indicating their importance for plant survival. This review summarizes the recent advances in polyamine research in the field of plant science compared with the knowledge obtained in microorganisms and animal systems.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polyamines: essential factors for growth and survival

Kusano

Berberich

Tateda

et al. 2008

Planta

784

574

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“…Indeed, the tetramine spermine (Spm) was discovered more than 300 years ago in ageing human spermatozoa (van Leeuwenhoek 1678), whilst the diamine putrescine (Put) and cadaverine (Cad) were identiWed in putrefying cadavers more than 100 years ago (Brieger 1885). The structure and chemistry of the most abundant polyamines Put, Spm and the triamine spermidine (Spd) were further elucidated in the 1920s, and it was revealed that they are nitrogen-containing compounds of low molecular weight (Dudley et al 1926(Dudley et al , 1927. Nowadays, Put and Spd are believed to be ubiquitous in all living cells.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polyamines: molecules with regulatory functions in plant abiotic stress tolerance

Alcázar

Altabella

Marco

et al. 2010

Planta

952

632

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Early studies on plant polyamine research pointed to their involvement in responses to different environmental stresses. During the last few years, genetic, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches have unravelled key functions of different polyamines in the regulation of abiotic stress tolerance. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanism(s) by which polyamines control plant responses to stress stimuli are largely unknown. Recent studies indicate that polyamine signalling is involved in direct interactions with different metabolic routes and intricate hormonal cross-talks. Here we discuss the integration of polyamines with other metabolic pathways by focusing on molecular mechanisms of their action in abiotic stress tolerance. Recent advances in the cross talk between polyamines and abscisic acid are discussed and integrated with processes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling, generation of nitric oxide, modulation of ion channel activities and Ca(2+) homeostasis, amongst others.

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“…Dudley et aE. (158,159) established the structure of spermine by degradation and synthesis and described the usually concomitant spermidine. Considering the wide distribution of these bases in nature, the terms spermirie and spermidine are misnomers.…”

Section: Sperminementioning

confidence: 99%