Decarboxylases

Decarboxylases are a group of enzymes that remove carboxyl groups (CO₂H) from acidic substrates and require pyridoxal phosphate or pyruvate as a co-factor. They are known for their various roles in metabolic pathways, non-oxidative decarboxylation of α- and β-keto acids and carbohydrate synthesis.

There are multiple members of this group, including ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) (EC: 4.1.1.17), which is involved in the urea cycle and L-aromatic amino-acid decarboxylase (AADC) (EC: 4.1.1.28), which is involved in conversion of L-dopa to dopamine and 5-HTP to serotonin.

External sources of pharmacological information for Decarboxylases :

• IUPHAR Receptor Code

• BJP Guide

Decarboxylase Gene Data

ODC, Ornithine decarboxylase; AADC, L-Aromatic amino-acid decarboxylase; SAMDC, S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase; ADC, L-Arginine decarboxylase; GAD, Glutamic acid decarboxylase; HDC, Histidine decarboxylase; PSDC, Phosphatidylserine decarboxylase.