cystine

noun

cys·​tine ˈsi-ˌstēn How to pronounce cystine (audio)
: a crystalline amino acid C6H12N2O4S2 that is widespread in proteins (such as keratins) and is a major metabolic sulfur source

Examples of cystine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Drinking enough water is the most important lifestyle factor for cystine stones.6 Can Sparkling Water Cause Kidney Stones? Assessing Risks to Avoid Kidney Stones Kidney stones may affect one in 10 in the U.S., but their presentation can vary quite widely. Julia Landwehr, Health, 4 Aug. 2023 But the drug that dragged cystine to the surface also altered the overall shape of the peptide, Shokat explains, and that raised the question of whether the altered molecule could still attach to MHC molecules. Connor Lynch, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2022 My eyes get infiltrated with cystine, which causes blurred vision and pain. Giovana Gelhoren, PEOPLE.com, 23 Apr. 2022 The oncogenic mutation in the proto-oncogene converts one of the amino acids in the cell, glycine, into cystine. Connor Lynch, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2022 So, in the absence of cancer-specific antigens, the researchers had to develop a drug that could permeate cancer cells, grab that cystine and pull it to the surface. Connor Lynch, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2022 When someone has cystinosis, their body builds up an abnormal amount of cystine. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 27 June 2022 With the new cells in, his white blood cells began pumping out the protein, clearing away the cystine crystals that had accumulated. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 27 June 2022 The lysosomal storage disease is caused by an abnormal buildup of cystine, one of the body's essential amino acids. Giovana Gelhoren, PEOPLE.com, 23 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

from its discovery in bladder stones

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cystine was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near cystine

Cite this Entry

“Cystine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cystine. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

cystine

noun
cys·​tine ˈsis-ˌtēn How to pronounce cystine (audio)
: an amino acid C6H12N2O4S2 that is a dimer of cysteine, is widespread in proteins (as keratins), and is a major metabolic sulfur source

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