Aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.28, synonyms: DOPA decarboxylase, tryptophan decarboxylase, 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase) is an enzyme catalyzing the decarboxylation of L-DOPA or 5-HTP to yield the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin (5-HT), respectively. The enzyme uses pyridoxal phosphate as a cofactor.
The same enzyme is also able to the decarboxylate the amino acid tryptophan to tryptamine, a precursor to many alkaloids found in plants and animals.
