Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH), also known as tyrosine 3-monooxygenase, is a critical enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamines, which include dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline . This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of the amino acid L-tyrosine to L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), the rate-limiting step in catecholamine synthesis . The recombinant form of Tyrosine Hydroxylase from mouse is often used in research to study its biochemical properties and regulatory mechanisms.
Tyrosine Hydroxylase is a tetrameric enzyme with a theoretical molecular weight of approximately 60 kDa . It requires tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), molecular oxygen, and ferrous iron (Fe2+) as cofactors for its enzymatic activity . The enzyme’s activity is regulated by various factors, including phosphorylation by protein kinases and feedback inhibition by catecholamines .
The physiological importance of Tyrosine Hydroxylase is underscored by its role in the central nervous system and adrenal medulla, where it is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones . Dysregulation of TH activity is associated with several neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and dystonia . Studies have shown that targeted disruption of the TH gene in mice results in mid-gestational lethality, highlighting its critical role in development .
Recombinant Mouse Tyrosine Hydroxylase is produced using baculovirus expression systems and is often tagged with a His-tag for purification purposes . This recombinant protein is used in various biochemical assays to study the enzyme’s properties, regulatory mechanisms, and interactions with other molecules .
Recombinant Mouse Tyrosine Hydroxylase is widely used in research to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying catecholamine biosynthesis and its regulation. It is also used to study the effects of mutations and post-translational modifications on enzyme activity . Additionally, this recombinant protein serves as a valuable tool in drug discovery and development, particularly for conditions related to catecholamine dysregulation .