Phenylalanine Assay Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Phenylalanine often abbreviated as Phe is an essential amino acid with a molecular mass of 165.19 g/mol. It serves as a precursor for the biosynthesis of proteins and other compounds. Phenylalanine is transported into cells by a specific membrane transporter and expresses mainly in the liver and brain tissues. In laboratory settings phenylalanine assays and kits are often used to measure its concentration in biological samples which can be colorimetrically or fluorescently assessed.

Biological function summary

Phenylalanine aids in the formation of proteins by incorporating into the polypeptide chains during ribosomal translation. It is not part of a molecular complex but acts as a free amino acid in various cellular processes. Its conversion to tyrosine by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase is an important step in its metabolism. This conversion is necessary because tyrosine is used in the production of neurotransmitters and hormones.

Pathways

Phenylalanine plays an important role in the phenylalanine and tyrosine catabolic pathway. This pathway is critical for the metabolism of aromatic amino acids eventually leading to the synthesis of important compounds like dopamine and norepinephrine. The enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase closely related to this pathway shows the connection between phenylalanine and subsequent tyrosine-derived neurotransmitters illustrating its importance in neurochemical regulation.

Associated diseases and disorders

Phenylalanine is strongly associated with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) resulting from mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene. This deficiency leads to high levels of phenylalanine in the blood causing neurotoxicity and cognitive impairments if left untreated. Management of PKU involves a diet low in phenylalanine connecting it to medical nutrition strategies. Furthermore high phenylalanine levels can affect proteins involved in neurotransmitter production linking it to potential neurological complications when not properly regulated.