42. Decarboxylation of Amino Acids. Biosynthesis of Physiologically Active Amines: Neurotransmitters and Hormones. Importance and Degradation. Role of MAO and COMT.
Explains decarboxylation of amino acids into biogenic amines, with the vitamin B6 coenzyme requirement and a set of examples: histidine to histamine, glutamate to GABA, tryptophan to serotonin, tyrosine through dopamine and noradrenaline to adrenaline, and lysine or arginine to polyamines. It then covers the physiological roles of these amines and their degradation by MAO and COMT, including MAO inhibitors and the tyramine warning. Clinical links to Parkinson's disease, allergy and anxiety or epilepsy close the note.
Topic 42 of 76 in the MU Pleven syllabus for Biochemistry (Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 5 sections, about 358 words (3 min of reading), with 10 flashcards.
In this note
Decarboxylation of Amino Acids. Biosynthesis of Physiologically Active Amines: Neurotransmitters and Hormones.
Decarboxylation of Amino Acids
Physiological Importance of These Amines
Degradation of Biogenic Amines
Clinical Connections
Decarboxylation of Amino Acids
Decarboxylation = removal of the carboxyl group (–COOH) from an amino acid.
It produces biogenic amines, which are highly active signaling molecules.
This reaction requires Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal Phosphate) as a coenzyme.
These amines act as neurotransmitters, hormones, and local mediators.
Examples of Amino Acid Decarboxylation and Their Products
