meta-Tyrosine (m-Tyr)

meta-Tyrosine is a non-proteinogenic isomer of the amino acid tyrosine, primarily generated through the non-enzymatic oxidation of phenylalanine by hydroxyl radicals under conditions of oxidative stress [1, 3]. Unlike the physiological para-tyrosine, meta-tyrosine is not a standard component of the genetic code; however, it can be mis-incorporated into nascent proteins by phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase due to its structural similarity to phenylalanine [2, 4]. This mis-incorporation results in the production of dysfunctional, misfolded proteins, which can lead to cellular toxicity and contribute to the pathogenesis of aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's [1, 6]. meta-Tyrosine also functions as an allelochemical in certain plants, inhibiting the growth of competing species by disrupting their protein synthesis [2, 17]. In clinical research, it is widely utilized as a sensitive biomarker for oxidative damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity [7, 9]. Interestingly, recent studies have highlighted its potential as an anti-metastatic agent, as it appears to inhibit the growth of secondary tumors in cancer models [5]. While not a traditional therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme, meta-tyrosine is a critical mediator of oxidative injury and a subject of interest in metabolic and oncological research [4, 10].

Other names

3-hydroxyphenylalaninem-tyrosineL-m-tyrosine3-hydroxy-L-phenylalanine

meta-Tyrosine acts as a non-physiological antimetabolite that is mis-incorporated into nascent proteins by phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase in place of phenylalanine, leading to protein misfolding and cellular toxicity. It also inhibits mitogenic signaling pathways, such as ERK and STAT, thereby suppressing cell proliferation.