Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that plays a significant role in the production of various molecules and proteins in the body. It is classified as a non-polar, aliphatic amino acid that is commonly found in high protein foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, and nuts. Phenylalanine has been the subject of extensive research in recent years, and its properties hold significant promise in various fields of science, including chemistry. Recent developments in chemistry have demonstrated its potential as a starting material for the synthesis of various compounds, including drugs and other chemicals. One notable development is in the field of catalysis, where phenylalanine has been used as a chiral catalyst to produce chiral molecules with high selectivity. This method involves the use of enzymes derived from microorganisms, which have been engineered to incorporate phenylalanine residues into their active sites. Furthermore, phenylalanine has been used as a precursor for the production of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood, attention, and other cognitive processes in the brain. Thus, scientists are exploring the potential of using phenylalanine-based compounds to develop drugs for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. In summary, phenylalanine is an essential amino acid with significant potential in the field of chemistry. Its properties as a chiral catalyst and precursor for neurotransmitter production hold significant promise for the development of new drugs and materials in chemistry, and its research continues to grow as scientists explore its potential.


From: Journal of New Developments in Chemistry

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Editor: Julia Piccoli, University of Sao Paulo-UNESP
Publication Type: Open Access Journal
Description: International Journal of Amino Acids encourages author to submit manuscripts to the journal for evaluation, from all fields of amino acid and protein research: analysis, separation, synthesis, biosynthesis, cross linking amino acids, racemization/enantiomers, modification of amino acids as phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation of amino acids.