Hydro-lyase catalyzing the first step of the transsulfuration pathway, where the hydroxyl group of L-serine is displaced by L-homocysteine in a beta-replacement reaction to form L-cystathionine, the precursor of L-cysteine. This catabolic route allows the elimination of L-methionine and the toxic metabolite L-homocysteine . Also involved in the production of hydrogen sulfide, a gasotransmitter with signaling and cytoprotective effects on neurons (By similarity).
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Cellular Localization:
Cytoplasm . Nucleus .
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Tissue Expression:
In the adult strongly expressed in liver and pancreas, some expression in heart and brain, weak expression in lung and kidney. In the fetus, expressed in brain, liver and kidney.