Symmetric Dimethylarginine

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein

**Definition:** A dimethylated derivative of L-arginine where the two methyl groups are attached to arginine in a symmetrical configuration. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is formed when S-adenosylmethionine protein N-methyltransferases transfer one methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to each of the two guanidine nitrogen groups of a single arginine residue in a protein. SDMA is released when the protein is degraded. SDMA doesn't bind nitric oxide synthase (NOS) but may noncompetitivelty inhibit nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by reducing L-arginine availability; it also may play a role in the modulation of cardiovascular homeostasis and renal function.

**Synonyms:** - Guanidino-N(1),N(2)-Dimethylarginine - N(G1),N(G2)-Dimethylarginine - N,N'-DIMETHYLARGININE - SDMA