indole metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving indole (2,3-benzopyrrole), the basis of many biologically active substances (e.g. serotonin, tryptophan). [GOC:jl]

Indole metabolic process is a fundamental biological process that involves the biosynthesis, degradation, and modification of indole and its derivatives. Indole is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound with a variety of important biological functions.

**Biosynthesis:**
* Indole is primarily synthesized from tryptophan, an essential amino acid.
* The biosynthesis pathway typically involves the enzyme tryptophan dioxygenase, which converts tryptophan to N-formylkynurenine.
* N-formylkynurenine is then converted to kynurenine and subsequently to indole by a series of enzymatic reactions.

**Degradation:**
* Indole can be degraded by various microorganisms through a series of oxidative and reductive steps.
* These reactions involve enzymes such as indole dioxygenase and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which convert indole to intermediates that can be further metabolized.

**Modification:**
* Indole can be modified by various enzymatic reactions to produce a wide range of indole derivatives.
* These modifications often alter the biological activity of indole, resulting in compounds with diverse functions.

**Biological Functions:**
* **Plant Growth Regulation:** Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), an indole derivative, is a major plant hormone that regulates growth and development.
* **Neurotransmitter Regulation:** Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an enzyme that degrades tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter.
* **Antimicrobial Activity:** Some indole derivatives exhibit antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
* **Immunomodulation:** Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) plays a role in immune regulation, suppressing T cell activation and promoting immune tolerance.

**Clinical Significance:**
* **Cancer:** Indole derivatives have been investigated for their potential anticancer activity.
* **Neurological Disorders:** Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
* **Infectious Diseases:** Indole derivatives have shown promise as therapeutic agents against bacterial and fungal infections.

Indole metabolic process is essential for the proper functioning of various biological systems. Understanding the intricate details of this pathway provides insights into the regulation of growth, development, immunity, and other vital processes.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)