Literature Review of Both Classic and Novel Roles of Biotin (Vitamin B7) in Cellular Processes

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a critical cofactor for many fundamental cellular processes, serving as a CO2 carrier in biotin-dependent carboxylation reactions. Carboxylation is a ubiquitous process that involves the fixation of CO2 into organic compounds, and as such, this process is found throughout all domains of life. These carboxylation reactions are critical for the synthesis and metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. New research has implicated biotin in the regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in glycolysis and immune function, as well as enzymes related to biotin-dependent carboxylation. It has also recently been shown to be effective in the reduction of MS-related symptoms through either an enhancement in energy production or rate of myelination. Current research remains focused on further investigating these non-classical and newly discovered roles of biotin in both the regulation of gene expression and promotion of remyelination in multiple sclerosis