DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), also designated aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase (AADC) belongs to the group II decarboxylase family of proteins. DDC, which can form a homodimer, is an important protein in the catecholamine biosynthesis pathway. DDC acts as a catalyst in the decarboxylation of L-5-hydroxytryptophan to serotonin, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) to dopamine and L-tryptophan to tryptamine. Defects in the gene encoding for DDC may cause the autosomal recessive disorder AADC deficiency. AADC deficiency is an early onset inborn error in neurotransmitter metabolism which can lead to catecholamine and serotonin deficiency. This causes poor feeding, psychomotor and developmental delays, lethargy, ptosis, gastrointestinal disturbances and hypothermia.
