L-kynurenine metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving L-kynurenine, the L-enantiomer of the amino acid kynurenine (3-(2-aminobenzoyl)-alanine). [GOC:yaf]

L-kynurenine metabolic process is a crucial pathway in tryptophan catabolism, converting the amino acid tryptophan into various metabolites. It begins with the enzyme tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) or indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which catalyzes the oxidation of tryptophan to N-formyl-L-kynurenine. The N-formyl-L-kynurenine is then hydrolyzed to L-kynurenine by the enzyme kynurenine formamidase. From L-kynurenine, the pathway branches into multiple routes. One route leads to the production of NAD+ through the enzymes kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) and 3-hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase (HAAO). Another route produces the neuroactive metabolite quinolinic acid through the enzymes kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) and kynureninase. Additionally, the pathway can generate the neuroprotective metabolite kynurenic acid via the enzyme kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II). The L-kynurenine metabolic pathway is tightly regulated and plays a critical role in various physiological processes. It is involved in immune response, neurotransmission, and the regulation of inflammation. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (6)