title: Evolution of enzymatic regulation of prostaglandin action: novel connections to regulation of human sex and adrenal function, antibiotic synthesis and nitrogen fixation.
abstract: The recent determination of the amino acid sequences of enzymes that metabolize prostaglandins and steroids has revealed interesting connections between some of these enzymes. Human placental 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the oxidation of the C15 alcohol on prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha, is homologous to 11 beta-hydroxysteroid, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid, and 3 alpha, 20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. That is, these four enzymes are derived from a common ancestor. Moreover, enzymes important in synthesis of antibiotics and proteins synthesized by soil bacteria that form nitrogen-fixing nodules in alfalfa and soybeans are homologous to 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase. These homologies provide important insights into the origins of intercellular communication that is mediated by prostaglandins, steroids, and fatty acids.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0623.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006911:Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009586:Nitrogen Fixation; D010088:Oxidoreductases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D011453:Prostaglandins; D010088:Oxidoreductases; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D006911:Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenases; C035859:15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase