The computer model simulates what happens in the human body when tryptophan is ingested, for example in chocolate. Tryptophan is transformed in the body into serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that triggers a feeling of wellbeing. The body cannot produce tryptophan itself und must therefore obtain it from dietary sources.

Although the complex biochemistry of the tryptophan metabolism was already largely known, only the computer model was able depict the interaction of the individual reactions and metabolic intermediates, as well as the regulatory mechanisms of the system as a whole, according to the authors.

The computer model makes it possible to study aspects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as therapeutic aspects.

The scientists have published their model in the current issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry: Stavrum A.-K. et al.: Model of Tryptophan Metabolism, Readily Scalable Using Tissue-specific Gene Expression Data, The Journal of Biological Chemistry, Vol 288, Issue 48, 34555-34566, November 29, 2013 (DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M113.474908)

Source: http://idw-online.de/pages/de/news564569

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Stefan Schuster
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Department of Bioinformatics
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2
07743 Jena
Germany
Phone: +49-(0)-3641-949580
E-mail: stefan.schu[at]uni-jena.de