Crosslinking — Methylation

Methylation refers to the chemical reaction whereby molecules containing methyl group can be linked to various constituents of protein, DNA and other molecules. Methylation in our body must be balanced in order to keep proteins, DNA and other molecules function well. Homocysteine is a byproduct of an important methylation process in our body after methionion (an amino acid) is used to methylate protein and DNA. Excess homocysteine has been implicated in aging in that homocysteine is believed to accelerate telemore destruction. On the other hand,  methylation of certain part of DNA can turn off unnecessary or harmful genes and can block division of abnormal cells thereby prevent aging caused by these abnormal cells.

How does our body balance methylation? There are three groups of molecules in our body regulate to balance methylation. They are vitamin B (B6 and B12), TMG (Tri-Methyl-Glycine, also known as Betaine), and SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine). As aging progresses, Vitamin B functioning as a cofactor in methylation reaction tend to become less efficient. SAMe formed in the body by combining methionion and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the most effective methylating agent.