Methylmalonic acid in aging and disease.

Joanne Tejero, Felicia Lazure, Ana P Gomes

Journal: Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM 2024;35(3):188-200

PMID: 38030482

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Abstract

Metabolic byproducts have conventionally been disregarded as waste products without functions. In this opinion article, we bring to light the multifaceted role of methylmalonic acid (MMA), a byproduct of the propionate metabolism pathway mostly commonly known as a clinical biomarker of vitamin B12 deficiency. MMA is normally present at low levels in the body, but increased levels can come from different sources, such as vitamin B12 deficiency, genetic mutations in enzymes related to the propionate pathway, the gut microbiota, and aggressive cancers. Here, we describe the diverse metabolic and signaling functions of MMA and discuss the consequences of increased MMA levels, such as during the aging process, for several age-related human pathologies.

Address: Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.; Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.; Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.11.001

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Vitamin B 12, Methylmalonic Acid, Propionates, Vitamin B 12 Deficiency, Aging