Yoshimura T., Nishikawa T., Homma H. (Eds.) D-Amino Acids: Physiology, Metabolism, and Application

Springer, 2016. — 352 p. — ISBN: 4431560750.This book presents a comprehensive overview of the roles of D-amino acids and latest research findings, to reveal their fascinating aspects and to facilitate better understanding of their important roles in physiology and diseases. It also provides useful hints for the development of drugs and functional foods. D-Amino acids were once called unnatural amino acids and were considered to be insignificant for eukaryotes especially in mammals. However, different D-amino acids have been revealed to be distributed in various mammalian tissues and to bear important physiological roles. For example, D-serine is implicated in memory formation and learning, and its abnormal concentration in tissues have been reported in neurological diseases such as schizophrenia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. D-Aspartate is found in a variety of mammalian tissues, particularly in the central nervous system and the genitals. D-Aspartate facilitates the endocrine secretion of prolactin, inhibits the secretion of melatonin, and plays a peculiar role in the control of reproductive functions in mammals, including the stimulation of testosterone synthesis. Written by the leading scientists in the field, this book is a valuable source of information for researchers in biochemistry, physiology, and neuroscience, as well as in the pharmaceutical and food industries.Detection of D-Amino Acids
Determination of D-Amino Acids and Their Distribution in Mammals
Physiological Functions and Pathophysiology of D-Serine
Overview
Physiological Roles of D-Serine in the Central Nervous System
Behaviors of Mutant Mice Lacking D-Amino-Acid Oxidase Activity
Physiological Functions of D-Serine Mediated Through δ2 Glutamate Receptors in the Cerebellum
D-Serine Signaling and Schizophrenia
D-Serine and the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia
Serine Racemase Knockout Mice: Neurotoxicity, Epilepsy, and Schizophrenia
Abnormal D-Serine Metabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Function of D-Aspartate
Overview
Endocrine Activity of D-Aspartate in Nonmammalian Animals
Free D-Aspartate in Nonmammalian Animals: Detection, Localization, Metabolism, and Function
Homeostasis of Free D-Aspartate in Mammalian Cells
Neuromodulatory Activity of D-Aspartate in Mammals
D-Amino Acid Residues in Proteins
D-Amino Acid Residues in Proteins Related to Aging and Age-Related Diseases and a New Analysis of the Isomers in Proteins
D-Amino Acid Metabolizing Enzyme
D-Amino Acid-Metabolizing Enzyme
Alanine Racemase and D-Amino Acid Oxidase in Aquatic Animals
Serine Racemase
D-Amino Acid Oxidase and D-Aspartate Oxidase
Eukaryotic D-Serine Dehydratase
Aspartate Racemase: Function, Structure, and Reaction Mechanism
D-Amino Acids in Foods
D-Amino Acids in Fermentative Foods