Biosynthesis of maresin conjugates in tissue regeneration (MCTR)

Resolution of inflammation is carried out by endogenous mediators termed specialised proresolving mediators (SPMs). Macrophages are central to the acute inflammatory response, governing both initiation and resolution phases, depending on the macrophage subtype activated. Human macrophages involved in resolution produce a family of bioactive peptide-conjugated mediators called maresin conjugates in tissue regeneration (MCTR). These mediators stimulate human phagocytotic functions, promote the resolution of bacterial infections, counterregulate the production of proinflammatory mediators and promote tissue repair and regeneration. The proposed biosynthetic pathway is as follows. The maresin epoxide intermediate 13(S),14(S)-epoxy-MaR (13(S),14(S)-epoxy-docosahexaenoic acid) can be converted to MCTR1 (13(R)-glutathionyl, 14(S)-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid) by LTC4S and GSTM4. MCTR1 can be converted to MCTR2 (13(R)-cysteinylglycinyl, 14(S)-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid) by γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Finally, a dipeptidase can cleave the cysteinyl-glycinyl bond of MCTR2 to give MCTR3 (13(R)-cysteinyl, 14(S)-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid).

Summary from Reactome (R-HSA-9026762), read 2026-09-23.