139 10.31 Thiamin Functions
There are three functions of thiamin1:
1. Cofactor for decarboxylation reactions (TPP)
2. Cofactor for the synthesis of pentoses (5-carbon sugars) and NADPH (TPP)
3. Membrane and nerve conduction (Not as a cofactor)
Decarboxylation Reactions
A decarboxylation reaction is one that results in the loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the molecule as shown below.
The transition reaction and one reaction in the citric acid cycle are decarboxylation reactions that use TPP as a cofactor. The figure below shows the transition reaction and citric acid cycle.
As shown below the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA in the transition reaction is a decarboxylation reaction that requires TPP as a cofactor. CO2 (circled) is produced as a result of this reaction.
A similar TPP decarboxylation reaction occurs in the citric acid cycle converting alpha-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA. CO2 (circled) is given off as a result of this reaction.
TPP also functions as a cofactor for the decarboxylation of valine, leucine, and isoleucine (branched-chain amino acids)1.
Synthesis of Pentoses and NADPH
TPP is a cofactor for the enzyme transketolase. Transketolase is a key enzyme in the pentose phosphate (aka hexose monophosphate shunt) pathway. This pathway is important for converting 6-carbon sugars into 5-carbon sugars (pentose) that are needed for synthesis of DNA, RNA, and NADPH. In addition, pentoses such as fructose are converted to forms that can be used for glycolysis and gluconeogenesis4. Transketolase catalyzes multiple reactions in the pathway as shown below.
Membrane and Nerve Conduction
In addition to its cofactor roles, thiamin, in the form of thiamin triphosphate (TTP, 3 phosphates), is believed to contribute in some unresolved way to nervous system function1.
References & Links
1. Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. (2008) Advanced nutrition and human metabolism. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.
2. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Decarboxylation_reaction.png
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Citric_acid_cycle_with_aconitate_2.svg
4. Stipanuk MH. (2006) Biochemical, physiological, & molecular aspects of human nutrition. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.
5. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PPP_(en).svg