Kynureninase

• OMIM: 605197
• UniProt: Q16719

In Kynureninase is the one enzyme of 3- hydroxykynurenine cleaves a molecule alanine. This reaction is a partial step in the degradation of the amino acid tryptophan and nicotinic acid biosynthesis. Kynureninase occurs in all living things. In humans it is found in all tissue types, but particularly in placenta, liver, and lungs. Elevated levels of the enzyme were found in the vicinity of infections.

Mutations in KYNU gene can lead to lack of Kynureninase. The consequence is vitamin B3 deficiency and an increased excretion of tryptophan metabolites kynurenine, 3 - hydroxykynurenine and xanthurenic acid in the urine.

Variants of the enzyme have been associated with hypertension in Han Chinese.

Catalyzed reaction

H2O

L-alanine is cleaved by hydrolysis of 3 -hydroxy-L - kynurenine, and 3- Hydroxyanthranilat arises.