Transmethylation

Transmethylation is a biologically important organic chemical reaction in which a methyl group is transferred from one compound to another.

An example of transmethylation is the recovery of methionine from homocysteine. In order to sustain sufficient reaction rates during metabolic stress, this reaction requires adequate levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid. Methyl tetrahydrofolate delivers methyl groups to form the active methyl form of vitamin B12 that is required for methylation of homocysteine. Deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folic acid cause increased levels of circulatiing homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is linked to the metabolic syndrome (insulin insensitivity).