Difference between revisions of "Phenylalanine" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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'''Phenylalanine''' is an α-[[amino acid]] that is found in many [[protein]]s, is essential in the human diet, and is readily converted to the amino acid [[tyrosine]] in the [[human body]]. Phenyalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan are the biggest amino acids.
+
'''Phenylalanine''' is an α-[[amino acid]] that is found in many [[protein]]s, is essential in the human diet, and normally is readily converted to the amino acid [[tyrosine]] in the [[human body]].  
  
In humans, the L-isomer of phenylalanine, which is the only form that is involved in protein synthesis, is one of the 20 [[amino acid#standard amino acid|standard amino acids]] common in animal proteins and required for normal functioning in humans. Phenylalanine also is classified as an [[amino acid#essential amino acid|"essential amino acid"]] since it cannot be synthesized by the human body from other compounds through chemical reactions and thus has to be taken in with the diet.
+
In humans, the L-isomer of phenylalanine, which is the only form that is involved in protein synthesis, is one of the 20 [[amino acid#standard amino acid|standard amino acids]] common in animal proteins and required for normal functioning in humans. Phenylalanine also is classified as an [[amino acid#essential amino acid|"essential amino acid"]] since it cannot be synthesized by the human body from other compounds through chemical reactions and thus has to be taken in with the diet. Phenyalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan are the biggest of the standard amino acids.
  
 +
The non-carbohydrate, non-nutritive artificial sweetener and flavor enhancer [[aspartame]] (aspartyl-phenylalanine-1-methyl ester) is synthesized from phenylalanine and the non-essential amino acid [[aspartic acid]].
  
  
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===Forms===
 
===Forms===
 
;L-phenylalanine
 
;L-phenylalanine
L-Phenylalanine (LPA) is an electrically-neutral [[amino acid]], one of the twenty common amino acids used to biochemically form [[protein]]s, coded for by [[DNA]]. L-phenylalanine is used in living [[organism]]s, including the human body, where it is an [[amino acid|Essential amino acids|essential amino acid]]. L-phenylalanine can also be converted into L-[[tyrosine]], another one of the twenty protein-forming amino acids necessary for human health. L-tyrosine is converted into [[L-DOPA]], which is further converted into [[dopamine]], [[norepinephrine]] (noradrenaline), and [[epinephrine]] (adrenaline) (the latter three are known as [[catecholamine]]s).  
+
L-Phenylalanine (LPA) is an electrically-neutral [[amino acid]], one of the twenty common amino acids used to biochemically form [[protein]]s, coded for by [[DNA]]. L-phenylalanine is used in living [[organism]]s, including the human body, where it is an [[amino acid|Essential amino acids|essential amino acid]]. L-phenylalanine also can be converted into L-[[tyrosine]], another one of the twenty protein-forming amino acids necessary for human health, and the process can lead to such important chemical compounds as [[dopamine]], [[norepinephrine]], and [[epinephrine]].  
  
 
;D-phenylalanine
 
;D-phenylalanine
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DL-phenylalanine is a racemic mixture of phenylalanine, meaning it contains equal amounts of the D and L enantiomers. DL-Phenylalanine is marketed as a nutritional supplement for its putative analgesic and antidepressant activities.
 
DL-phenylalanine is a racemic mixture of phenylalanine, meaning it contains equal amounts of the D and L enantiomers. DL-Phenylalanine is marketed as a nutritional supplement for its putative analgesic and antidepressant activities.
  
The putative analgesic activity of DL-phenylalanine may be explained by the possible blockage by D-phenylalanine of enkephalin degradation by the enzyme carboxypeptidase A. The mechanism of DL-phenylalanine's putative antidepressant activity may be accounted for by the precursor role of L-phenylalanine in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Elevated brain norepinephrine and dopamine levels are thought to be associated with antidepressant effects.
+
The putative analgesic activity of DL-phenylalanine may be explained by the possible blockage by D-phenylalanine of enkephalin degradation by the enzyme carboxypeptidase A. The mechanism of DL-phenylalanine's putative antidepressant activity may be accounted for by the precursor role of L-phenylalanine in the synthesis of the [[neurotransmitter]]s norepinephrine and dopamine. Elevated brain norepinephrine and dopamine levels are thought to be associated with antidepressant effects.
  
 
==Dietary sources==
 
==Dietary sources==
Line 97: Line 98:
  
 
==Biological aspects==
 
==Biological aspects==
The genetic [[codon]] for phenylalanine was the first to be discovered. Marshall W. Nirenberg discovered that, when he inserted ''m''-[[RNA]] made up of multiple [[uracil]] repeats into ''[[E. coli]]'', the [[bacterium]] produced a new protein, made up solely of repeated phenylalanine amino acids.
+
The genetic [[codon]] for phenylalanine (UUU and UUC) was the first to be discovered. Marshall W. Nirenberg discovered that, when he inserted ''m''-[[RNA]] made up of multiple [[uracil]] repeats into ''[[E. coli]]'', the [[bacterium]] produced a new protein, made up solely of repeated phenylalanine amino acids.
  
 
L-phenylalanine can be converted into L-[[tyrosine]], another one of the DNA-encoded amino acids. L-tyrosine in turn is converted into [[L-DOPA]], which is further converted into [[dopamine]], [[norepinephrine]] (noradrenaline), and [[epinephrine]] (adrenaline) (the latter three are known as [[catecholamine]]s).  
 
L-phenylalanine can be converted into L-[[tyrosine]], another one of the DNA-encoded amino acids. L-tyrosine in turn is converted into [[L-DOPA]], which is further converted into [[dopamine]], [[norepinephrine]] (noradrenaline), and [[epinephrine]] (adrenaline) (the latter three are known as [[catecholamine]]s).  
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[[Image:DLPA_RXN.GIF]]
 
[[Image:DLPA_RXN.GIF]]
  
The enzyme [[phenylalanine hydroxylase]] normally converts the phenylalanine into the tyrosine. If this reaction does not take place, phenylalanine accumulates and tyrosine is deficient, leading to the serious disorder [[#Phenylketonuria]].
+
The enzyme [[phenylalanine hydroxylase]] normally converts the phenylalanine into the tyrosine. If this reaction does not take place, phenylalanine accumulates and tyrosine is deficient, leading to the serious disorder [[#Phenylketonuria|Phenylketonuria]].
  
 
Phenylalanine is a large, neutral amino acid (LNAA). LNAAs compete for transport across the [[blood brain barrier]] (BBB) via the large neutral amino acid transporter (LNAAT). Excessive phenylalanine in the blood saturates the transporter. Thus, excessive levels of phenylalanine significantly decrease the levels of other LNAAs in the brain. But since these amino acids are required for protein and neurotransmitter synthesis, phenylalanine accumulation disrupts [[brain]] development in children, leading to [[mental retardation]] (Pietz et al. 1999)  
 
Phenylalanine is a large, neutral amino acid (LNAA). LNAAs compete for transport across the [[blood brain barrier]] (BBB) via the large neutral amino acid transporter (LNAAT). Excessive phenylalanine in the blood saturates the transporter. Thus, excessive levels of phenylalanine significantly decrease the levels of other LNAAs in the brain. But since these amino acids are required for protein and neurotransmitter synthesis, phenylalanine accumulation disrupts [[brain]] development in children, leading to [[mental retardation]] (Pietz et al. 1999)  
  
Since phenylalanine uses the same active transport channel as [[tryptophan]] to cross the blood-brain barrier, in large quantities, it interferes with the production of [[serotonin]], which is a metabolic product of tryptophan.  
+
Since phenylalanine uses the same active transport channel as [[tryptophan]] to cross the blood-brain barrier, in large quantities it interferes with the production of [[serotonin]], which is a metabolic product of tryptophan.  
 
    
 
    
 
[[Lignin]] is derived from phenylalanine and from [[tyrosine]].  Phenylalanine is converted to [[cinnamic acid]] by the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia lyase (Lehninger 2000).   
 
[[Lignin]] is derived from phenylalanine and from [[tyrosine]].  Phenylalanine is converted to [[cinnamic acid]] by the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia lyase (Lehninger 2000).   
Line 114: Line 115:
  
 
==Phenylketonuria==
 
==Phenylketonuria==
'''Phenylketonuria''' ('''PKU''') is an [[autosomal recessive]] [[genetic disorder]] characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme [[phenylalanine hydroxylase]] (PAH). This enzyme is necessary to metabolize the amino acid [[phenylalanine]] to the amino acid [[tyrosine]]. When PAH is deficient, phenylalanine accumulates and is converted into phenylketones, which are detected in the urine.
 
 
Excessive phenylalanine can be metabolized into phenylketones, which are detected in the urine. These include [[phenylacetate]], [[phenylpyruvate] and [[phenylethylamine]]<ref>{{cite journal | author=Michals, K., Matalon, R. | title=Phenylalanine metabolites, attention span and hyperactivity | journal=American Journal of Clinical Nutrition | year=1985 | volume=42(2) | pages=361-365 | id=PMID 4025205}}</ref>. Detection of phenylketones in the urine is diagnostic.
 
 
 
Left untreated, this condition can cause problems with brain development, leading to progressive [[mental retardation]] and [[seizures]]. However, PKU is one of the few genetic diseases that can be controlled by diet. A diet low in phenylalanine and high in tyrosine can bring about a nearly total cure.
 
 
 
{{main|Phenylketonuria}}
 
{{main|Phenylketonuria}}
The genetic disorder [[phenylketonuria]] (PKU) is the inability to metabolize phenylalanine. Individuals with this disorder are known as "phenylketonurics" and must abstain from consumption of phenylalanine.  This dietary restriction also applies to pregnant women with hyperphenylalanine (high levels of phenylalanine in blood) because they do not properly metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine.  Phenylalanine is present in many sugarless gums, [[Monster Munch]] crisps, sugarless soft drinks (such as [[Diet Coke]], and [[Diet Pepsi]]), some forms of Lipton Tea, Icebreakers Mints, Clear Splash flavored water, and a number of other food products, all of which must be labeled: "Phenylketonurics: Contains phenylalanine." Phenylalanine itself is not present in the food. Rather, the artificial sweetener sold under the names "Equal" and "NutraSweet" contain [[aspartame]], an ester that is [[Hydrolysis|hydrolyzed]] in the body to give phenylalanine, [[aspartic acid]], and [[methanol]] (wood alcohol).  Thus, aspartame is problematic for persons with PKU. The amounts produced by aspartame pose a risk however, as far larger quantities of the amino acid would be obtained through consuming normal protein. Interestingly, the macaque genome was recently sequenced and it was found that macaques naturally have a mutation that is found in humans who have PKU.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6550865.stm]
+
The genetic disorder [[phenylketonuria]] (PKU) is the inability to metabolize phenylalanine. It is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme [[phenylalanine hydroxylase]] (PAH), which is necessary to [[metabolism|metabolize]] the phenylalanine to tyrosine. When PAH is deficient, phenylalanine accumulates and is converted into phenylketones, which are detected in the urine. These include [[phenylacetate]], [[phenylpyruvate]], and [[phenylethylamine]] (Michals and Matalon 1985). Detection of phenylketones in the urine is diagnostic.
 
 
Notes:
 
'''Phenylketonuria''' ('''PKU''') is an [[autosomal recessive]] [[genetic disorder]] characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme [[phenylalanine hydroxylase]] (PAH). This enzyme is necessary to metabolize the amino acid [[phenylalanine]] to the amino acid [[tyrosine]]. When PAH is deficient, phenylalanine accumulates and is converted into phenylketones, which are detected in the urine.  
 
 
 
Left untreated, this condition can cause problems with brain development, leading to progressive [[mental retardation]] and [[seizures]]. However, PKU is one of the few genetic diseases that can be controlled by diet. A diet low in phenylalanine and high in tyrosine can bring about a nearly total cure.
 
 
 
Women affected by PKU must pay special attention to their diet if they wish to become pregnant, since high levels of phenylalanine in the uterine environment can cause severe malformation and mental retardation in the child. However, women who maintain an appropriate diet can have normal, healthy children.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If PKU is diagnosed early enough, an affected newborn can grow up with normal brain development, but only by eating a special diet low in [[phenylalanine]] for the rest of his or her life.  This requires severely restricting or eliminating foods high in phenylalanine, such as [[breast milk]], [[meat]], [[Chicken (food)|chicken]], [[Fish (food)|fish]], [[nut (fruit)|nut]]s, [[cheese]] and other dairy products. Starchy foods such as [[potato]]es, [[bread]], [[pasta]], and [[maize|corn]] must be monitored. Many diet foods and diet soft drinks that contain the sweetener [[aspartame]] must also be avoided, as aspartame consists of two amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid.
 
 
 
Treatment of PKU includes the elimination of phenylalanine from the diet, and supplementation of the diet with tyrosine. Phenylalanine is commonly found in protein-containing foods such as meat, dairy products, fish, grains and legumes. Babies who are diagnosed with PKU must immediately be put on a special milk/formula substitute. Later in life, the diet continues to exclude phenylalanine-containing foods.
 
 
 
Previously, PKU-affected people were allowed to go off diet after approximately 12 years of age. However, physicians now recommend that this special diet should be followed throughout life.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
==D- and DL-phenylalanine=={{Fact|date=June 2007}}
+
Left untreated, this condition can cause problems with brain development, leading to progressive [[mental retardation]] and seizures (see [[#Biological aspects|Biological aspects]] above). However, PKU is one of the few genetic diseases that can be controlled by diet. A diet low in phenylalanine and high in tyrosine can bring about a nearly total cure.  
D-phenylalanine (DPA) either as a single enantiomer or as a component of the racemic mixture is available through conventional [[organic synthesis]]. It does not participate in protein biosynthesis although it is found in proteins, in small amounts, particularly aged proteins and food proteins that have been processed. The biological functions of D-amino acids remain unclear. Some D-amino acids, such as D-phenylalanine, may have pharmacologic activity.  DL-Phenylalanine is marketed as a nutritional supplement for its putative analgesic and antidepressant activities. The putative analgesic activity of DL-phenylalanine may be explained by the possible blockage by D-phenylalanine of enkephalin degradation by the enzyme carboxypeptidase A. The mechanism of DL-phenylalanine's putative antidepressant activity may be accounted for by the precursor role of L-phenylalanine in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Elevated brain norepinephrine and dopamine levels are thought to be associated with antidepressant effects.
 
 
 
D-phenylalanine is absorbed from the small intestine, following ingestion, and transported to the liver via the [[portal circulation]]. A fraction of D-phenylalanine appears to be converted to L-phenylalanine. D-phenylalanine is distributed to the various tissues of the body via the [[systemic circulation]]. D-phenylalanine appears to cross the [[blood-brain barrier]] with less efficiency than L-phenylalanine. A fraction of an ingested dose of D-phenylalanine is excreted in the [[urine]].
 
  
 +
Individuals with this disorder are known as "phenylketonurics." Treatment of PKU includes the elimination of phenylalanine from the diet, and supplementation of the diet with tyrosine. Babies who are diagnosed with PKU must immediately be put on a special milk/formula substitute. Later in life, the diet continues to exclude phenylalanine-containing foods. Women affected by PKU must pay special attention to their diet if they wish to become pregnant, since high levels of phenylalanine in the uterine environment can cause severe malformation and mental retardation in the child. However, women who maintain an appropriate diet can have normal, healthy children. This dietary restriction also applies to pregnant women with hyperphenylalanine (high levels of phenylalanine in blood) because they do not properly metabolize phenylalanine.
  
 +
If PKU is diagnosed early enough, an affected newborn can grow up with normal brain development, but only by eating a special diet low in [[phenylalanine]] for the rest of his or her life.  This requires severely restricting or eliminating foods high in phenylalanine, such as [[breast milk]], [[meat]], [[Chicken (food)|chicken]], [[Fish (food)|fish]], [[nut (fruit)|nut]]s, [[cheese]], and other dairy products. Starchy foods such as [[potato]]es, [[bread]], [[pasta]], and [[maize|corn]] must be monitored. Many diet foods and diet soft drinks that contain the sweetener [[aspartame]] must also be avoided, as aspartame consists of two amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Aspartame is found in many sugarless gums, sugarless soft drinks (such as [[Diet Coke]], and [[Diet Pepsi]]), some forms of Lipton Tea, and a number of other food products.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
<references/>
 
  
 
* Doolittle, R. F. 1989. Redundancies in protein sequences. In G. D. Fasman, ed., ''Prediction of Protein Structures and the Principles of Protein Conformation''. New York: Plenum Press. ISBN 0306431319.
 
* Doolittle, R. F. 1989. Redundancies in protein sequences. In G. D. Fasman, ed., ''Prediction of Protein Structures and the Principles of Protein Conformation''. New York: Plenum Press. ISBN 0306431319.
 
* International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUPAC-IUB) Joint Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature. 1983. [http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iupac/AminoAcid Nomenclature and symbolism for amino acids and peptides: Recommendations on organic & biochemical nomenclature, symbols & terminology]. ''IUPAC-IUB''. Retrieved June 14, 2007.  
 
* International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUPAC-IUB) Joint Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature. 1983. [http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iupac/AminoAcid Nomenclature and symbolism for amino acids and peptides: Recommendations on organic & biochemical nomenclature, symbols & terminology]. ''IUPAC-IUB''. Retrieved June 14, 2007.  
* Kendall, E. C., and B. F. McKenzie. 1941. [http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV1P0021.pdf dl-Alanine]. ''Organic Syntheses'' 1: 21.
 
 
* Lehninger, A. L., D. L. Nelson, and M. M. Cox. 2000. ''Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry'', 3rd ed. New York: Worth Publishing. ISBN 1572591536.
 
* Lehninger, A. L., D. L. Nelson, and M. M. Cox. 2000. ''Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry'', 3rd ed. New York: Worth Publishing. ISBN 1572591536.
 +
* Michals, K., and R. Matalon. 1985. Phenylalanine metabolites, attention span and hyperactivity. ''American Journal of Clinical Nutrition''. 42(2): 361-365. PMID 4025205. 
 +
* Pietz, J., R. Kreis, A. Rupp, E. Mayatepek, D. Rating, C. Boesch,  and H. J. Bremer. 1999. [http://www.jci.org/cgi/content/full/103/8/1169 Large neutral amino acids block phenylalanine transport into brain tissue in patients with phenylketonuria]. ''Journal of Clinical Investigation'' 103: 1169–1178. PMID 10207169.
  
<ref name="Pietz">{{cite journal | author=Pietz, J., Kreis, R., Rupp, A., Mayatepek, E., Rating, D., Boesch, C., Bremer, H. J. | year=1999 | url=http://www.jci.org/cgi/content/full/103/8/1169 | title=Large neutral amino acids block phenylalanine transport into brain tissue in patients with phenylketonuria | journal=Journal of Clinical Investigation | volume=103 | pages=1169–1178 | id=PMID 10207169}}</ref>
+
==External links==
 +
*[http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iubmb/enzyme/reaction/AminoAcid/PheTyr.html Phenylalanine and tyrosine biosynthesis]. Retrieved June 20, 2007.
 +
*[http://www.compchemwiki.org/index.php?title=Phenylalanine Computational Chemistry Wiki]. Retrieved June 20, 2007.
 +
*[http://www.nitrogenorder.org/molweek/aug2005/21aug05.shtml Nitrogen Order's Molecule of the Week]. Retrieved June 20, 2007.
 +
*[http://www.biopsychiatry.com/dl-phenylalanine.html DL-phenylalanine versus imipramine in depression]. Retrieved June 20, 2007.
  
 
==External links==
 
*[http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iubmb/enzyme/reaction/AminoAcid/PheTyr.html Phenylalanine and tyrosine biosynthesis]
 
*[http://www.compchemwiki.org/index.php?title=Phenylalanine Computational Chemistry Wiki]
 
*[http://www.nitrogenorder.org/molweek/aug2005/21aug05.shtml Nitrogen Order's Molecule of the Week]
 
*[http://www.biopsychiatry.com/dl-phenylalanine.html DL-phenylalanine versus imipramine in depression]
 
{{ChemicalSources}}
 
  
 
{{AminoAcids}}
 
{{AminoAcids}}
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[[Category:Proteinogenic amino acids]]
 
[[Category:Proteinogenic amino acids]]
 
[[Category:Glucogenic amino acids]]
 
[[Category:Glucogenic amino acids]]
[[Category:Ketogenic amino acids]]
 
[[Category:Aromatic amino acids]]
 
 
[[Category:Essential amino acids]]
 
[[Category:Essential amino acids]]
 
{{credit|Phenylalanine|137976125|Phenylketonuria|136998707}}
 
{{credit|Phenylalanine|137976125|Phenylketonuria|136998707}}
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]

Revision as of 02:35, 20 June 2007


Phenylalanine
Systematic name 2-Amino-3-phenyl-
propanoic acid
Abbreviations Phe
F
Chemical formula C9H11NO2
Molecular mass 165.19 g mol-1
Melting point 283 °C
Density 1.29 g cm-3
Isoelectric point 5.5
pKa 2.20
9.09
PubChem 994
CAS number
  • [673-06-3] (D)
  • [63-91-2] (L)
  • [150-30-1] (D/L or racemic)
SMILES N[C@@H](Cc1ccccc1)C(O)=O
Chemical structure of PhenylalanineChemical structure of Phenylalanine
Disclaimer and references

Phenylalanine is an α-amino acid that is found in many proteins, is essential in the human diet, and normally is readily converted to the amino acid tyrosine in the human body.

In humans, the L-isomer of phenylalanine, which is the only form that is involved in protein synthesis, is one of the 20 standard amino acids common in animal proteins and required for normal functioning in humans. Phenylalanine also is classified as an "essential amino acid" since it cannot be synthesized by the human body from other compounds through chemical reactions and thus has to be taken in with the diet. Phenyalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan are the biggest of the standard amino acids.

The non-carbohydrate, non-nutritive artificial sweetener and flavor enhancer aspartame (aspartyl-phenylalanine-1-methyl ester) is synthesized from phenylalanine and the non-essential amino acid aspartic acid.


Phenylalanine's three letter code is Phe, its one letter code is F, its codons are UUU and UUC, and its systematic name is 2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid (IUPAC-IUB 1983).

Structure

In biochemistry, the term amino acid is frequently used to refer specifically to alpha amino acids: those amino acids in which the amino and carboxylate groups are attached to the same carbon, the so-called α–carbon (alpha carbon). The general structure of these alpha amino acids is:

     R
     |
 H2N-C-COOH
     |
     H

where R represents a side chain specific to each amino acid.

Most amino acids occur in two possible optical isomers, called D and L. The L amino acids represent the vast majority of amino acids found in proteins. They are called proteinogenic amino acids. As the name "proteinogenic" (literally, protein building) suggests, these amino acid are encoded by the standard genetic code and participate in the process of protein synthesis. In phenylalanine, only the L-stereoisomer is involved in synthesis of mammalian proteins.

Phenylalanine's chemical formula is C6H5- CH2- CH(NH2)-COOH, or in general form C9H11NO2 (IUPAC-IUB 1983).

Like tyrosine and tryptophan, phenylalanine contains a large rigid aromatic group on the side chain. Phenyalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan—like isoleucine, leucine, and valine—are hydrophobic and tend to orient towards the interior of the folded protein molecule. Phenylalanine is classified as nonpolar because of the hydrophobic nature of the benyl side chain. It is a white, powdery solid.

Forms

L-phenylalanine

L-Phenylalanine (LPA) is an electrically-neutral amino acid, one of the twenty common amino acids used to biochemically form proteins, coded for by DNA. L-phenylalanine is used in living organisms, including the human body, where it is an Essential amino acids|essential amino acid. L-phenylalanine also can be converted into L-tyrosine, another one of the twenty protein-forming amino acids necessary for human health, and the process can lead to such important chemical compounds as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

D-phenylalanine

D-phenylalanine (DPA), can be synthesized artificially. D-phenylalanine can be converted only into phenylethylamine. D-phenylalanine is a non-protein amino acid, meaning that it does not participate in protein biosynthesis. D-phenylalanine and other D-amino acids are, however, found in proteins, in small amounts, particularly aged proteins and food proteins that have been processed. The biological functions of D-amino acids remain unclear. Some D-amino acids, such as D-phenylalanine, may have pharmacologic activity.

DL-phenylalanine

DL-phenylalanine is a racemic mixture of phenylalanine, meaning it contains equal amounts of the D and L enantiomers. DL-Phenylalanine is marketed as a nutritional supplement for its putative analgesic and antidepressant activities.

The putative analgesic activity of DL-phenylalanine may be explained by the possible blockage by D-phenylalanine of enkephalin degradation by the enzyme carboxypeptidase A. The mechanism of DL-phenylalanine's putative antidepressant activity may be accounted for by the precursor role of L-phenylalanine in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Elevated brain norepinephrine and dopamine levels are thought to be associated with antidepressant effects.

Dietary sources

Phenylalanine cannot be made by animals, which have to obtain it from their diet.

Phenylalanine is contained in most protein-rich foods. Especially good sources are dairy products (curd, milk, cottage cheese), avocados, pulses and legumes (particularly peanuts and lima beans), nuts (pistachios, almonds), seeds (piyal seeds), leafy vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, other seafoods, and some diet beverages.

Biosynthesis

Phenylalanine is produced by plants and most microorganisms from prephenate, an intermediate on the shikimate pathway (Lehninger 2000).

Prephenate is decarboxylated with loss of the hydroxyl group to give phenylpyruvate. This species is transaminated using glutamate as the nitrogen source to give phenylalanine and α-ketoglutarate.

Phenylalanine biosynthesis.png

Biological aspects

The genetic codon for phenylalanine (UUU and UUC) was the first to be discovered. Marshall W. Nirenberg discovered that, when he inserted m-RNA made up of multiple uracil repeats into E. coli, the bacterium produced a new protein, made up solely of repeated phenylalanine amino acids.

L-phenylalanine can be converted into L-tyrosine, another one of the DNA-encoded amino acids. L-tyrosine in turn is converted into L-DOPA, which is further converted into dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline) (the latter three are known as catecholamines).

DLPA RXN.GIF

The enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase normally converts the phenylalanine into the tyrosine. If this reaction does not take place, phenylalanine accumulates and tyrosine is deficient, leading to the serious disorder Phenylketonuria.

Phenylalanine is a large, neutral amino acid (LNAA). LNAAs compete for transport across the blood brain barrier (BBB) via the large neutral amino acid transporter (LNAAT). Excessive phenylalanine in the blood saturates the transporter. Thus, excessive levels of phenylalanine significantly decrease the levels of other LNAAs in the brain. But since these amino acids are required for protein and neurotransmitter synthesis, phenylalanine accumulation disrupts brain development in children, leading to mental retardation (Pietz et al. 1999)

Since phenylalanine uses the same active transport channel as tryptophan to cross the blood-brain barrier, in large quantities it interferes with the production of serotonin, which is a metabolic product of tryptophan.

Lignin is derived from phenylalanine and from tyrosine. Phenylalanine is converted to cinnamic acid by the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia lyase (Lehninger 2000).

D-phenylalanine is absorbed from the small intestine, following ingestion, and transported to the liver via the portal circulation. A fraction of D-phenylalanine appears to be converted to L-phenylalanine. D-phenylalanine is distributed to the various tissues of the body via the systemic circulation. D-phenylalanine appears to cross the blood-brain barrier with less efficiency than L-phenylalanine. A fraction of an ingested dose of D-phenylalanine is excreted in the urine. There is much about the pharmacokinetics in humans that is unknown.

Phenylketonuria

Main article: Phenylketonuria

The genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) is the inability to metabolize phenylalanine. It is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), which is necessary to metabolize the phenylalanine to tyrosine. When PAH is deficient, phenylalanine accumulates and is converted into phenylketones, which are detected in the urine. These include phenylacetate, phenylpyruvate, and phenylethylamine (Michals and Matalon 1985). Detection of phenylketones in the urine is diagnostic.

Left untreated, this condition can cause problems with brain development, leading to progressive mental retardation and seizures (see Biological aspects above). However, PKU is one of the few genetic diseases that can be controlled by diet. A diet low in phenylalanine and high in tyrosine can bring about a nearly total cure.

Individuals with this disorder are known as "phenylketonurics." Treatment of PKU includes the elimination of phenylalanine from the diet, and supplementation of the diet with tyrosine. Babies who are diagnosed with PKU must immediately be put on a special milk/formula substitute. Later in life, the diet continues to exclude phenylalanine-containing foods. Women affected by PKU must pay special attention to their diet if they wish to become pregnant, since high levels of phenylalanine in the uterine environment can cause severe malformation and mental retardation in the child. However, women who maintain an appropriate diet can have normal, healthy children. This dietary restriction also applies to pregnant women with hyperphenylalanine (high levels of phenylalanine in blood) because they do not properly metabolize phenylalanine.

If PKU is diagnosed early enough, an affected newborn can grow up with normal brain development, but only by eating a special diet low in phenylalanine for the rest of his or her life. This requires severely restricting or eliminating foods high in phenylalanine, such as breast milk, meat, chicken, fish, nuts, cheese, and other dairy products. Starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, pasta, and corn must be monitored. Many diet foods and diet soft drinks that contain the sweetener aspartame must also be avoided, as aspartame consists of two amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Aspartame is found in many sugarless gums, sugarless soft drinks (such as Diet Coke, and Diet Pepsi), some forms of Lipton Tea, and a number of other food products.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

External links



Major families of biochemicals
Peptides | Amino acids | Nucleic acids | Carbohydrates | Nucleotide sugars | Lipids | Terpenes | Carotenoids | Tetrapyrroles | Enzyme cofactors | Steroids | Flavonoids | Alkaloids | Polyketides | Glycosides
Analogues of nucleic acids:The 20 Common Amino AcidsAnalogues of nucleic acids:
Alanine (dp) | Arginine (dp) | Asparagine (dp) | Aspartic acid (dp) | Cysteine (dp) | Glutamic acid (dp) | Glutamine (dp) | Glycine (dp) | Histidine (dp) | Isoleucine (dp) | Leucine (dp) | Lysine (dp) | Methionine (dp) | Phenylalanine (dp) | Proline (dp) | Serine (dp) | Threonine (dp) | Tryptophan (dp) | Tyrosine (dp) | Valine (dp)

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