5,6-Dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) (DHICA)

5,6-Dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) is a critical intermediate in the eumelanin biosynthetic pathway, specifically within the Raper-Mason scheme of melanogenesis (PubChem CID 119152). It is synthesized from dopachrome by the enzyme dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), also known as tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TYRP2) (UniProt P17643). DHICA serves as a precursor that polymerizes into eumelanin, a process often facilitated by tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) (PubMed: 12114331). DHICA is recognized for its potent antioxidant properties, which help mitigate oxidative damage within melanocytes by scavenging free radicals (PubMed: 10451014). In the context of oncology, DHICA and its metabolites are utilized as biochemical markers; elevated levels in urine or serum can indicate the progression of malignant melanoma (PubMed: 15157533). Although DHICA itself is a small molecule metabolite rather than a traditional drug target like a receptor or enzyme, the pathways governing its synthesis are central to the study of skin pigmentation disorders and melanoma therapy.

Other names

5,6-Dihydroxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acidDHICA5,6-Dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylate

Not applicable (metabolite intermediate)