L-DOPA-Containing Protein Autoxidation: An Empirical Valence Bond Simulation of the Rate-Limiting Step.

ABSTRACT: Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder currently affecting ten million people worldwide. l-DOPA, or levodopa, is a crucial drug in addressing this issue, being a precursor of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which regulates motor functions, relieving the tremor symptom of Parkinson's. However, l-DOPA comes with side effects that are concerning for long-term treatment. Like dopamine, which can autoxidize to dopaquinone by entering a redox cycle, l-DOPA can also be converted to dopaquinone by the same mechanism, thus becoming a continuous source of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, because it is structurally similar to the amino acid tyrosine, it can also get incorporated into the proteins' sequence, thus becoming an additional source of oxidative stress for patients unde

SUBMITTER: Oanca G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683634 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature