4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (4-HPPA) is an intermediate in the metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. The aromatic side chain of phenylalanine is hydroxylated by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase to form tyrosine. The conversion from tyrosine to 4-HPPA is in turn catalyzed by tyrosine aminotransferase.[1] Additionally, 4-HPPA can be converted to homogentisic acid which is one of the precursors to ochronotic pigment.[2]

It is an intermediary compound in the biosynthesis of scytonemin.

See also

References

  1. ^ Brand, Larry; Harper, Alfred (1974). "Effect of glucagon on phenylalanine metabolism and phenylalanine-degrading enzymes in the rat". Biochemical Journal. 142 (2): 231–45. doi:10.1042/bj1420231. PMC 1168273. PMID 4155291.
  2. ^ Denoya, Claudio; Skinner, Deborah; Morgenstern, Margaret (September 1994). "A Streptomyces avermitilis gene encoding a 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid dioxygenase-like protein that directs the production of homogentisic acid and an ochronotic pigment in Escherichia coli". Journal of Bacteriology. 1 (17): 5312–5319. doi:10.1128/jb.176.17.5312-5319.1994. PMC 196716. PMID 8071207.