Conversion of L-tryptophan to serotonin and melatonin in human melanoma cells

FEBS Lett. 2002 Jan 30;511(1-3):102-6. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)03319-1.

Abstract

We showed in human melanoma cells tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and hydroxyindole methyltransferase genes expression with the sequential enzymatic activities of TPH, serotonin (Ser) N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole methyltransferase. The presence of the products Ser, 5OH-tryptophan, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin (Mel), 5-methoxytryptamine and 5-methoxytryptophol was documented by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thus, human melanoma cells can synthesize and metabolize Ser and Mel.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase / genetics
  • Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase / metabolism
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / enzymology
  • Melanoma / genetics
  • Melanoma / metabolism*
  • Melatonin / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
  • Tryptophan / metabolism*
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase / genetics
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase / metabolism
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Serotonin
  • Tryptophan
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase
  • Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase
  • Melatonin