Cytokinins, Long Thought Exclusive to Plants, Found Widespread in Mammalian Organs
A research team from the Bio Centre at the University of Würzburg has demonstrated that cytokinins, previously thought to be exclusive to plants, are distributed throughout multiple mammalian organs, including in humans. The study, published in Gut Microbes, shows that cytokinins are an integral part of mammalian physiology and are transported via the bloodstream.
Key Findings
- Cytokinin concentrations in plants are 4–10 times higher than in mammalian blood serum.
- Diet is a primary source: after 8 hours of fasting, cytokinin levels in mice decreased significantly.
- Gut microbiota produce cytokinins: germ-free mice had lower levels; metagenomic analysis identified bacterial genes for cytokinin production.
- The mammalian TRIT1 gene may enable endogenous cytokinin synthesis.
- Cytokinin O-glucoside acts as an inactive storage form that can be activated as needed.
- Cytokinins were detected in the kidneys, heart, and liver, suggesting roles in cellular aging, immune response, and nerve cell protection.
"Cytokinins are an integral part of mammalian physiology and are transported via the bloodstream."
Potential Medical Applications
Future studies may explore therapeutic use of cytokinins for inflammation or neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease, based on earlier animal studies showing symptom alleviation and lifespan extension.