Description
Dopa decarboxilase (DDC), also known as aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, is a group II decarboxylase.
The enzyme catalyzes the decarboxylation of aromatic L-amino acids to produce the corresponding amines.
DDC produces the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin from L-Dopa and L-5-hydroxytryptophan, respectively.
DDC inhibitors is in clinical use to treat Parkinson's disease(PD), usually co-administrated with L-DOPA.
DDC would block peripheral conversion to dopamine and allow a greater percentage of L-DOPA to reach the brain, causing an increase in brain dopamine levels, and reducing the side effects of dopamine-rich blood