Tetrahydrobiopterin

Template:Chembox new Tetrahydrobiopterin or BH₄ is a cofactor in the synthesis of nitric oxide. It is also essential in the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine by the enzyme phenylalanine-4-hydroxylase; the conversion of tyrosine to L-dopa by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase; and conversion of tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptophan via tryptophan hydroxylase.

Clinical significance

A defect in BH₄ production and/or a defect in the enzyme dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) causes phenylketonuria type IV, as well as dopa-responsive dystonias.

Synthesis

Tetrahydrobiopterin is synthesized from GTP via two intermediates.

References

Thony B, Auerbach G, Blau N (2000). "Tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis, regeneration and functions". Biochem J. 347 Pt 1: 1–16. PMID 10727395.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

See also

• Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency This can also cause mental retardation as seen in patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU).

External links

• coenzyme tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)
• The Tetrahydrobiopterin website