Dopa Decarboxylase Human
Description
Product Specs
Dopa decarboxylase, a key enzyme in neurotransmitter synthesis, is a homodimeric enzyme that depends on pyridoxal phosphate for its activity. This enzyme plays a crucial role in two metabolic pathways responsible for producing two important neurotransmitters implicated in various clinical conditions, including Parkinson's disease. Primarily located in the basal ganglia of the brain, dopa decarboxylase catalyzes the conversion of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) to dopamine, L-5-hydroxytryptophan to serotonin, and L-tryptophan to tryptamine. Deficiencies in dopa decarboxylase can lead to aromatic L-amino-acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD), an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by a combined deficiency of serotonin and catecholamine neurotransmitters.
Product Science Overview
DDC is a 54 kDa enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of aromatic L-amino acids to produce the corresponding amines . Specifically, it converts:
- L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) to dopamine
- L-5-hydroxytryptophan to serotonin
These neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, play significant roles in the central nervous system and are involved in various physiological processes .
The enzyme’s activity is of particular interest in medical research due to its involvement in the synthesis of neurotransmittersL-DOPA is commonly used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopamine deficiency . Additionally, DDC’s role in serotonin production links it to mood regulation and conditions such as schizophrenia and depression .
Recombinant human Dopa Decarboxylase is produced using various expression systems, such as baculovirus-insect cells . This recombinant form is used in research to study the enzyme’s properties and its potential therapeutic applications. The recombinant enzyme is typically purified to high levels of purity (>90%) and is tested for its bioactivity, ensuring it can effectively convert L-DOPA to dopamine .
Research on DDC includes studying its structure, function, and potential inhibitors. Inhibiting DDC can be a strategy for treating conditions like schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease . The enzyme’s activity is measured by its ability to convert substrates like L-DOPA to dopamine, with specific activity levels indicating its efficiency .
