Tryptophan hydroxylase

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Identifiers
Symbol TPH1
Alt. Symbols TPRH, TPH
Entrez 7166
HUGO 12008
OMIM 191060
RefSeq NM_004179
UniProt P17752
Other data
EC number 1.14.16.4
Locus Chr. 11 p15.3-p14
tryptophan hydroxylase 2
Identifiers
Symbol TPH2
Entrez 121278
HUGO 20692
OMIM 607478
RefSeq NM_173353
UniProt Q8IWU9
Other data
Locus Chr. 12 q15

Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is an enzyme (EC 1.14.16.4) involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Contents

[edit] Function

It is responsible for addition of the -OH group (hydroxylation) to the 5 position to form the amino acid 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is the initial and rate-limiting step in the synthesis of the hormone serotonin. It is also the first enzyme in the synthesis of melatonin.

Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) are members of a superfamily of aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, catalyzing key steps in important metabolic pathways [1] Analogously to phenylalanine hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase, this enzyme uses (6R)-L-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and dioxygen as cofactors.[2]

In humans, the stimulation of serotonin production by administration of tryptophan has an antidepressant effect and inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase (e.g. by p-Chlorophenylalanine) may precipitate depression.[3]

The "activity" of tryptophan hydroxylase (i.e. the rate it converts L-tryptophan into the serotonin precursor L-5-hydroxytryptophan) can be increased when it undergoes phosphorylation. Protein Kinase A, for example, can phosphorylate tryptophan hydroxylase, thus increasing its activity.

[edit] Isoforms

In humans, as well as in other mammals, there are two district TPH genes. In humans, these genes are located on chromosomes 11 and 12 and encode two different homologous enzymes TPH1 and TPH2 (sequence identity 71%). [4]


  • TPH1 is mostly expressed in tissues that express serotonin in the periphery (skin, gut, pineal gland) but it is also expressed in the central nervous system.
  • On the other hand, TPH2 is exclusively expressed in neuronal cell types and is the predominant isoform in the central nervous system.

[edit] Additional images

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.bh4.org/pdf/mckinney.pdf
  2. ^ BH4 Databases
  3. ^ Three-Dimensional Structure of Human Tryptophan Hydroxylase and Its Implications for the Biosynthesis of the Neurotransmitters Serotonin and Melatonin
  4. ^ A unique central tryptophan hydroxylase isoform. [Biochem Pharmacol. 2003] - PubMed Result

[edit] External links