Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Anaerobic Protein Purification and Kinetic Analysis via Oxygen Electrode for Studying DesB Dioxygenase Activity and Inhibition
Published on: October 3, 2018
Physiological functions of D-amino acid oxidases: from yeast to humans
L Pollegioni1, L Piubelli, S Sacchi
1Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Sciences, University of Insubria, via J H Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy. loredano.pollegioni@uninsubria.it
Abstract:
D-Amino acid oxidase (DAAO) is a FAD-containing flavoenzyme that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of D-isomers of neutral and polar amino acids. This enzymatic activity has been identified in most eukaryotic organisms, the only exception being plants. In the various organisms in which it does occur, DAAO fulfills distinct physiological functions: from a catabolic role in yeast cells, which allows them to grow on D-amino acids as carbon and energy sources, to a regulatory role in the human brain, where it controls the levels of the neuromodulator D-serine. Since 1935, DAAO has been the object of an astonishing number of investigations and has become a model for the dehydrogenase-oxidase class of flavoproteins. Structural and functional studies have suggested that specific physiological functions are implemented through the use of different structural elements that control access to the active site and substrate/product exchange. Current research is attempting to delineate the regulation of DAAO functions in the contest of complex biochemical and physiological networks.
Related Concept Videos
Fates of Pyruvate
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways
Pyruvate Oxidation
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
Fermentation
Fermentation is a type of metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where organic molecules such as glucose are broken down to produce energy. During this process, the...
Amino Acid Catabolism
Overview of Protein Metabolism
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
