Discovery and inhibition of an interspecies gut bacterial pathway for Levodopa metabolism

Rekdal, Vayu Maini; Bess, Elizabeth N.; Bisanz, Jordan E.; Turnbaugh, Peter J.; Balskus, Emily P.

doi:10.1126/science.aau6323

articleScienceJun 13, 2019GREEN OA

Discovery and inhibition of an interspecies gut bacterial pathway for Levodopa metabolism

VMVayu Maini Rekdal ENElizabeth N. Bess JEJordan E. Bisanz PJPeter J. Turnbaugh EPEmily P. Balskus

Harvard University · University of California, San Francisco · +3 more institutions

PubMed

Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

The dope on l -dopa metabolism The efficacy of l -dopa treatment for Parkinson's disease is hugely variable between individuals, depending on the composition of their microbiota. l -Dopa is decarboxylated into active dopamine, but if the gut microbiota metabolize l -dopa before it crosses the blood-brain barrier, medication is ineffective. Maini Rekdal et al. found that different species of bacterium are involved in l -dopa metabolism (see the Perspective by O'Neill). Tyrosine decarboxylase (TDC) from Enterococcus faecalis and dopamine dehydroxylase (Dadh) from Eggerthella lenta A2 sequentially metabolized l -dopa into m -tyramine. The microbial l -dopa decarboxylase can be inactivated by ( S…

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Topics & keywords

Topics

Keywords

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase
Gut flora
Enzyme
Metabolism
Drug metabolism
Biochemistry
Tyramine
Decarboxylation

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good health and well-being

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