dopamine biosynthetic process from tyrosine

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine) from L-tyrosine, via the metabolic precursor 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-dopa). Dopamine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter and a metabolic precursor of norepinephrine and epinephrine. [GOC:bf, GOC:jl, ISBN:0198506732]

Dopamine biosynthesis begins with the amino acid tyrosine, which is transported into dopaminergic neurons. Tyrosine is then hydroxylated by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) to form L-DOPA (levodopa). This step requires molecular oxygen and tetrahydrobiopterin as cofactors. L-DOPA is then decarboxylated by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), also known as DOPA decarboxylase, to produce dopamine. This reaction removes the carboxyl group from L-DOPA, forming dopamine. The entire process can be summarized as follows: Tyrosine → L-DOPA → Dopamine. The biosynthesis of dopamine is a tightly regulated process, ensuring that the appropriate amount of dopamine is produced to meet the needs of the neuron. This regulation occurs at several levels, including the levels of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis pathway, the availability of substrates, and the activity of neurotransmitter transporters.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)