Target type: biologicalprocess
The chemical reactions and pathways involving tryptophan, the chiral amino acid 2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid. [ISBN:0198547684]
Tryptophan metabolism is a complex biological process that involves the conversion of the essential amino acid tryptophan into various important biomolecules, including serotonin, melatonin, niacin, and kynurenine.
The process begins with the uptake of dietary tryptophan into cells. Once inside, tryptophan can follow several metabolic pathways:
1. **Serotonin synthesis:** Tryptophan is converted to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and other functions. This conversion occurs in a two-step process:
* Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) catalyzes the hydroxylation of tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
* Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) decarboxylates 5-HTP to serotonin.
2. **Melatonin synthesis:** Serotonin serves as a precursor for melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms. Serotonin is converted to melatonin in the pineal gland through a series of enzymatic reactions.
3. **Niacin synthesis:** Tryptophan can be converted to niacin (vitamin B3), a key cofactor for various metabolic enzymes. This conversion occurs through the kynurenine pathway.
4. **Kynurenine pathway:** This pathway leads to the degradation of tryptophan into kynurenine and other metabolites. These metabolites play important roles in various physiological processes, including inflammation, immune response, and neuroprotection. However, excessive kynurenine production can contribute to neurotoxicity and other health issues.
The relative flux of tryptophan through these pathways is influenced by various factors, including genetics, diet, and physiological state. Dysregulation of tryptophan metabolism has been implicated in several diseases, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and cancer. Therefore, understanding the intricate details of tryptophan metabolism is crucial for developing effective treatments for these conditions.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptophan synthase alpha chain | A tryptophan synthase alpha chain that is encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli K-12. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P0A877] | Escherichia coli K-12 |
| Tryptophanase | A tryptophanase that is encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli K-12. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P0A853] | Escherichia coli K-12 |
| Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, mitochondrial | A glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, mitochondrial that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q92947] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| n-acetyltryptophan | N-acetyltryptophan : An N-acetylamino acid that is the N-acetyl derivative of tryptophan. | N-acetyl-amino acid; tryptophan derivative | metabolite |
| indolepropanol phosphate | 3-(indol-3-yl)propyl phosphate : An monoalkyl phosphate compound having an O-3-(indol-3-yl)propyl substituent. indolepropanol phosphate: binds specifically to the alpha subunit, but not to the beta subunit of tryptophan synthase | indoles; monoalkyl phosphate | |
| balsalazide | balsalazide : A monohydroxybenzoic acid consisting of 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalazine) linked to 4-aminobenzoyl-beta-alanine via an azo bond. balsalazide: a mesalamine 5-aminosalicylate prodrug; 99% of ingested drug remains intact through the stomach and is delivered to and activated in the colon; used for inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and radiation-induced proctosigmoiditis but avoided in patients with known hypersensitivity reaction to salicylates or mesalamine; structure in first source |