Neurotransmitters bind to second messenger-linked receptors to initiate a complex cascade of chemical events that can either excite or inhibit further electrical signals. The complete process of this communication between cells involves the synthesis, transport, storage, control of release, and binding of these neurotransmitters to neuronal receptors.
Iron plays a role in each of these processes. Monoamine neurotransmitters include dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), or norepinephrine (NA), which are involved in the regulation of cognitive, emotional, and excitatory processes. Another type of neurotransmitter is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect in the CNS. Serotonin is synthesised by tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), and dopamine and noradrenaline by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), whereas gamma-aminobutyric acid is synthesised by glutamate dehydrogenase and GABA transaminase. Both hydroxylases are homotetramers
using non-haem iron as their cofactor to catalyse the reaction to incorporate one molecular oxygen atom into the substrate, leading to the formation of hydroxylated products.
In the absence of iron, all three enzymes cannot perform their function, resulting in inhibition of the synthesis of these neurotransmitters.
Iron is the micronutrient with the best-studied biological functions. It is widely distributed in nature, and its involvement in the main metabolic pathways determines the great importance of this metal for all organisms. Iron is required for cellular ...
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