MOLECULE

5'-Methylthioadenosine

5'-Methylthioadenosine, also known as MTA or thiomethyladenosine, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as 5'-deoxy-5'-thionucleosides. These are 5'-deoxyribonucleosides in which the ribose is thio-substituted at the 5'position by a S-alkyl group. 5'-Methylthioadenosine is a strong basic compound (based on its pKa). 5'-Methylthioadenosine exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, 5'-methylthioadenosine participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, 5'-methylthioadenosine and spermidine can be biosynthesized from S-adenosylmethioninamine and putrescine through its interaction with the enzyme spermidine synthase. In addition, 5'-methylthioadenosine can be converted into 5-methylthioribose 1-phosphate and L-methionine; which is catalyzed by the enzyme S-methyl-5'-thioadenosine phosphorylase. In humans, 5'-methylthioadenosine is involved in the metabolic disorder called hypermethioninemia. Outside of the human body, 5'-Methylthioadenosine has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as chia, black elderberries, kumquats, jew's ears, and pine nuts. This could make 5'-methylthioadenosine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Adenosine with the hydroxy group at C-5' substituted with a methylthio (methylsulfanyl) group. 5'-Methylthioadenosine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.