Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) is a cytosolic pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme critical for the biosynthesis of several neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin. It catalyzes the decarboxylation of L-DOPA to dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptophan to serotonin. AADC is widely distributed throughout the body, playing essential roles in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as other tissues, where it is involved in various physiological processes, including motor control and neuroendocrine function.