Methionine adenosyltransferase, cystathionine beta-synthase and cystathionine gamma-lyase activity of rat liver subcellular particles, human blood cells and mixed white cells from rat bone marrow.

1. Methionine adenosyltransferase (ATP:L-methionine-S-adenosyl transferase, EC 2.5.1.6), cystathionine beta-synthase F1L-serine hydro-lyase (adding homocysteine), EC 4.2.1.22] and cystathionine gamma-lyase [L-cystathionine cysteine-lyase (deaminating), EC 4.4.1.1] activities were found only in the cytosol fraction of rat liver cells. None was found in the mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticulum fractions as judged by the distribution of marker enzymes on a density gradient after centrifugation of the cytoplasmic fraction of a liver homogenate, or in a preparation of liver cell nuclei. 2. Polymorphs, lymphocytes (with admixed monocytes) and mixed bone marrow white cells contained no methionine adenosyl transferase, cystathionine beta-synthase or cystathionine gamma-lyase activities. 3. The possible bearing of these results on the problem of abnormal cystine storage in cystinosis is briefly discussed.