Tetrahydrobiopterin

Tetrahydrobiopterin (pronounced: tet-ra-hy-dro-bio-pter-in), also known as BH4 or sapropterin, is a type of cofactor in the production of amino acids in the body.

Etymology

The term "Tetrahydrobiopterin" is derived from its chemical structure, which consists of a pterin ring system that is fully reduced (tetrahydro-) and has a biological origin (bio-).

Function

Tetrahydrobiopterin plays a crucial role in the human body. It acts as a cofactor for several enzymes, including phenylalanine hydroxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and tryptophan hydroxylase. These enzymes are involved in the synthesis of the amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, respectively.

In addition to its role in amino acid synthesis, tetrahydrobiopterin is also a critical cofactor for the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a key signaling molecule in the body that helps regulate blood pressure and immune response.

Related Terms

Cofactor (biochemistry): A non-protein chemical compound that is required for an enzyme's activity.
Enzyme: A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction.
Amino Acids: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins.
Phenylalanine: An essential amino acid that is needed for normal growth and protein production.
Tyrosine: A nonessential amino acid that is an important building block of several important brain chemicals.
Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that is needed for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults.
Nitric Oxide: A molecule that helps regulate blood pressure, immune response, and other physiological processes.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Tetrahydrobiopterin
Wikipedia's article - Tetrahydrobiopterin

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Tetrahydrobiopterin