The enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), also designated tyrosine 3-monooxygenase (TY3H), catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to L-dopa, which is the rate limiting step in the biosynthesis of catecholamines such as dopamine, adrenalin and noradrenalin. TH is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, which is associated with reduced dopamine levels. Two transcription factor binding sites in the proximal region of the TH gene, the TPA-responsive element (TRE) and the c-AMP responsive element (CRE), have been implicated in the complex regulation of the TH gene. TH is also known to be upregulated by the glia maturation factor (GMF), a Cdc 10/SWI6 motif-containing protein called V-1, and a variety of additional compounds.
