S-Adenosylmethioninamine is a substrate that is required for the biosynthesis of polyamines including spermidine, spermine, and thermospermine. It is produced by decarboxylation of S-adenosyl methionine.

This reaction is catalyzed by S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase. The enzyme binds to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and removes the carboxyl group from the methionine. Once formed, S-adenosylmethioninamine donates its aminopropyl group to synthesize polyamines. Polyamines are important for DNA stability, RNA function, and cell growth.

S-Adenosylmethioninamine is used for regulating metabolic pathways. It is important for the synthesis of metabolites and cofactors, and for the absorption and digestion of proteins. In addition, S-adenosylmethioninamine can be used as a biomarker in metabolic pathways. This is important because it helps in early detection of various cancers and can help minimize metabolic disorders. For instance, recent data shows that in low concentrations of methionine, S-adenosylmethioninamine is unable to produce the polyamines, spermine and spermidine. S-Adenosylmethioninamine can be utilized in cancer research and further testing can be done to better understand its mechanism and its role in the body.