Conversion of histidine to hercynine by Neurospora crassa.
Cell-free extracts of Neurospora crassa mycelium catalyze the methylation of l-histidine to form hercynine (histidine betaine). The partially methylated compounds, alpha-N-methyl-l-histidine and alpha-N,N-dimethyl-l-histidine, are also methylated by the same enzyme preparation to form hercynine. All three methylation reactions are stimulated by the addition of S-adenosylmethionine.
D001622:Betaine / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D002474:Cell-Free System; D002854:Chromatography, Paper; D004880:Ergothioneine / Q000032:analysis; D006639:Histidine / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008715:Methionine / Q000378:metabolism; D008745:Methylation; D009491:Neurospora / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D001622:Betaine; D006639:Histidine; D008715:Methionine; D004880:Ergothioneine