D,L-Cystathionine

Cystathionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is the precursor of cysteine. Cystathionine synthase, the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of cystathionine, is inhibited by L-cysteine and glutathione. Cystathionine has been shown to be an important growth factor for fibroblasts and osteoblasts in culture as well as a regulator of gene expression. It also has been shown to be essential for iron homeostasis, as it increases iron absorption from the gut and reduces iron excretion in bile. Cystathionine is a highly reactive molecule with a high redox potential and can cause oxidative injury to cells, which may contribute to bowel disease. Cystathionine has been shown to have receptor activity in neurons, and its physiological effects are similar to those of glutamate.