Biopterin

Biopterins are pterin derivatives which function as endogenous enzyme cofactors in many species of animals and in some bacteria and fungi. Biopterins act as cofactors for aromatic amino acid hydroxylases (AAAH), which are involved in the synthesis of a number of neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, epinepherine, and serotonin, along with several trace amines. Nitric oxide synthesis also uses biopterin derivatives as cofactors. In humans, tetrahydrobiopterin is the endogenous cofactor for AAAH enzymes. Biopterins are pterin derivatives which function as endogenous enzyme cofactors in many species of animals and in some bacteria and fungi. Biopterins act as cofactors for aromatic amino acid hydroxylases (AAAH), which are involved in the synthesis of a number of neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, epinepherine, and serotonin, along with several trace amines. Nitric oxide synthesis also uses biopterin derivatives as cofactors. In humans, tetrahydrobiopterin is the endogenous cofactor for AAAH enzymes. Biopterin compounds found within the body include BH4, the free radical BH3, and BH2 (also a free radical). Biopterin synthesis occurs through two principal pathways; the de novo pathway involves three enzymatic steps and proceeds from GTP, while the salvage pathway converts sepiapterin to biopterin. BH4 is the principal active cofactor, and a recycling pathway converts BH2 to BH4.