Template:Sm-DOPA, also known as Template:Sm-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and used medically as levodopa, is made and used as part of the normal biology of some plants[1] and animals, including humans. Humans, as well as a portion of the other animals that utilize Template:Sm-DOPA, make it via biosynthesis from the amino acid [[L-tyrosine|Template:Sm-tyrosine]].
Template:Sm-DOPA can be directly metabolized by catechol-O-methyl transferase to 3-O-methyldopa, and then further to vanillactic acid. This metabolic pathway is nonexistent in the healthy body, but becomes important after peripheral Template:Sm-DOPA administration in patients with Parkinson's disease or in the rare cases of patients with AADC enzyme deficiency.[8]
Template:Sm-DOPA is a key compound in the formation of marine adhesive proteins, such as those found in mussels.[14][15] It is believed to be responsible for the water-resistance and rapid curing abilities of these proteins. Template:Sm-DOPA may also be used to prevent surfaces from fouling by bonding antifouling polymers to a susceptible substrate.[16] The versatile chemistry of Template:Sm-DOPA can be exploited in nanotechnology.[17] For example, DOPA-containing self-assembling peptides were found to form functional nanostructures, adhesives and gels.[18][19][20][21]
Plants and in the environment
In plants, L-DOPA functions as an allelochemical which inhibits the growth of certain species, and is produced and secreted by a few legume species such as the broad bean Vicia faba and the velvet bean Mucuna pruriens.[22] Its effect is strongly dependent on the pH and the reactivity of iron in the soil.[23] L-DOPA can also be found in cephalopod ink.[24]
Use as a medication and supplement
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