Fig. 1

Biosynthetic route of taurine from amino acids cystein and methionine. The synthesis does primarily occur in liver, although other tissues can contribute to its synthesis based on presence of key enzymes. However, the tissue synthesis is generally low, and tissues needs to uptake circulating taurine against gradients by means of the specific Na⁺/Cl⁻ dependent transport system, TauT. Some species (i.e. felines) cannot synthesize taurine and dramatically depends on taurine intake with food. Diet is indeed an important source of the amino acid for all species, especially if reach of fish or beef meat as well as other animal-derived food (i.e. milk).