Xanthosine

Xanthosine is a nucleoside found in humans and other organisms. It is composed of a hypoxanthine base attached to a ribose sugar. Xanthosine is a precursor to guanosine, a key component of RNA and DNA. It is involved in purine metabolism, the biochemical process that synthesizes and breaks down purines, which are essential building blocks of nucleic acids.

In the body, xanthosine is primarily synthesized in the liver. It plays a role in the salvage pathway of purine synthesis, which recycles purine bases. Xanthosine can be converted to inosine, and then further metabolized. Elevated levels of xanthosine in the blood or urine can sometimes be indicative of certain metabolic disorders or conditions affecting purine breakdown.

Research has explored the potential roles of xanthosine beyond its role in purine metabolism. Some studies have investigated its relationship with neurological functions and its presence in the brain. However, its precise functions in these areas are still under investigation. Xanthosine is also a naturally occurring compound and can be found in various food sources.