A novel enzyme enantio-selectively synthesizes (R)salsolinol, a precursor of a dopaminergic neurotoxin, N-methyl(R)salsolinol.
In the human brain, only (R)enantiomer of 1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline ((R)salsolinol) and N-methyl-salsolinol, a dopaminergic neurotoxin, were detected, suggesting their enzymatic biosynthesis. This paper reports the isolation and characterization of a novel enzyme, which enantio-selectively synthesizes (R)salsolinol from dopamine and acetaldehyde. Dopamine, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and pyruvic acid were the substrates of this synthase, whereas N-methyldopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline and L-DOPA were not. The possible function of this enzyme under physiological and pathological conditions in the brain is discussed.
Naoi
M
M
Department of Biosciences, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan. naoi@ks.kyy.nitech.ac.jp
Maruyama
W
W
Dostert
P
P
Kohda
K
K
Kaiya
T
T
D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007546:Isoquinolines / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007700:Kinetics; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology
D007546:Isoquinolines; D009498:Neurotoxins; C036617:salsolinol; D004298:Dopamine