Short communication: An alternative pathway for melatonin synthesis in the skin of European flounder (Platichthys flesus)

The classic melatonin biosynthesis pathway (Mel; N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) involves two consecutive enzymatic steps that are decisive in hormone production: conversion of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) to N-acetylserotonin (NAS) and the methylation of the last compound to Mel. This pathway requires the activity of the enzymes: the first is of the category of N-acetyltransferases (AANAT, SNAT, or NAT) and the second is N-acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT; also known as HIOMT). However, quite recently, new information has been provided on the possibility of an alternative Mel synthesis pathway; it would include a two-step action by these enzymes, but in reverse order, where ASMT (or ASMTL, the enzyme related to ASMT) methylates 5-HT to 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MT), and then the last compound is acetylated by an enzyme of the category of N-acetyltransferases to Mel. In our study on the activity of enzymes in the Mel biosynthesis pathway in flounder skin, we have found an increase in 5-MT level, as a result of the increase in 5-HT concentration, which is followed by a growing concentration of Mel. However, we have not found any increase in Mel concentration, despite an increase in NAS in the samples. Our data strongly suggest an alternative way of Mel production in flounder skin in which 5-HT is first methylated to 5-MT, which is then acetylated to Mel.