S-Adenosylhomocysteine

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical

**Definition:** An amino acid derivative and an intermediate in the synthesis of cysteine and adenosine. S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is formed upon S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methylation (homocysteine methionine cycle) of biological molecules, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. It is then hydrolyzed by S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase to form adenosine and homocysteine. As SAH modulates methylation dependent reactions, SAH levels and the ratio of SAH:SAM may be used to assess methylation status of macrocolecules.

**Synonyms:** - (S)-5'-(S)-(3-Amino-3-carboxypropyl)-5'-thioadenosine - AdoHCy - S-ADENOSYL-L-HOMOCYSTEINE - S-Adenosyl-L-homocysteine - SAH