Target intelligence / Profile preview

Kynurenine aminotransferase 3 (KAT III)

Target: KAT III
Molecular classification: Enzyme, Fold type I PLP-dependent enzyme (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent aminotransferase family)

Overview

Kynurenine aminotransferase 3 (KAT III) is a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the transamination of kynurenine to kynurenic acid, a neuroprotective metabolite. KAT III is structurally related to other kynurenine aminotransferases but exhibits unique substrate specificity and regulatory features. Its activity helps maintain optimal levels of kynurenic acid in the mammalian brain and may modulate susceptibility to neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Enzymatic inhibition of KAT III is actively researched for potential therapeutic modulation of the kynurenine pathway in the central nervous system[1].

Other names: KAT IIIKYAT3CcbIglutamine transaminase Kkynurenine/alpha-aminoadipate aminotransferase

Mechanism of action

Drugs or compounds inhibit KAT III enzyme activity, reducing kynurenic acid synthesis.

Biological functions

Amino acid metabolismTransamination of kynurenine to kynurenic acidRegulation of neuroactive metabolites in the kynurenine pathway

Disease associations

Neurodegenerative disease (e.g., involvement in schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's disease through KYNA regulation)Other (potentially implicated in inflammation due to kynurenine pathway intermediates)

Safety considerations

Therapeutic blockade could disrupt neuroprotection, potentially increasing risk of excitatory neurotoxicityOff-target effects due to overlapping substrate specificity with other aminotransferases may complicate drug safety

Interacting drugs

No clinically approved drugs specifically target KAT III to date; inhibitor development is in the research stage

1 more in the full profile.

Biomarkers

Kynurenic acid levels (can be measured as an indirect marker for KAT III activity in brain tissue or plasma)Kynurenine pathway metabolites (for pathway monitoring)

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