Arylformamidase

• UniProt: Q63HM1

In Arylformamidase (KF) is the enzyme that catalyzes the second step in the degradation of the amino acid tryptophan, namely the elimination of formate N- formylkynurenine. The enzyme is found in vertebrates. In humans it is produced in all tissue types.

Mice without KF indicate problems with the kidneys and the immune system, but N- formylkynurenine can partially degrade. This means that there is probably another enzyme which catalyzes this reaction.

AFMID the gene coding for the Arylformamidase, the rare example of a gene whose expression is inversely correlated with the acetylation of histone in the promoter.

Catalyzed reaction

H2O HCOO -

From N -formyl -L- kynurenine is cleaved by hydrolysis of formic acid and L- kynurenine is formed.