Reaction: (S)-norcoclaurine + H2O = dopamine + 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde
For diagram of reaction, click here
Glossary: dopamine = 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol
Other name(s): (S)-norlaudanosoline synthase; 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde hydro-lyase (adding dopamine); 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde hydro-lyase [adding dopamine; (S)-norcoclaurine-forming]
Systematic name: (S)-norcoclaurine dopamine hydrolase (4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde-forming)
Comments: The reaction makes a six-membered ring by forming a bond between C-6 of the 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl group of the dopamine and C-1 of the aldehyde in the imine formed between the substrates. The product is the precursor of the benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in plants. The enzyme, formerly known as (S)-norlaudanosoline synthase, will also catalyse the reaction of 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol + (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acetaldehyde to form (S)-norlaudanosoline, but this alkaloid has not been found to occur in plants.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, MetaCyc, CAS registry number:
References:
1. Stadler, R., Zenk, M.H. A revision of the generally accepted pathway for the biosynthesis of the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline reticuline. Liebigs Ann. Chem. (1990) 555-562.
2. Stadler, R., Kutchan, T.M., Zenk, M.H. (S)-Norcoclaurine is the central intermediate in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis. Phytochemistry 28 (1989) 1083-1086.
3. Samanani, N. and Facchini, P.J. Purification and characterization of norcoclaurine synthase. The first committed enzyme in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis in plants. J. Biol. Chem. 277 (2002) 33878-33883. [PMID: 12107162]