About the Seminar:

Title:

The Kynurenine Pathway of Tryptophan Metabolism: A Treasure Trove of Enzyme Drug Targets

Abstract:

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the principal route for tryptophan degradation in mammals, generating neurologically active metabolites such as 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, and picolinic acid. Dysregulation of the KP has been strongly linked to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease, while its hijacking by certain cancers enables tumors to suppress immune responses and evade surveillance. These dual roles make the KP a rich source of drug targets. My laboratory has focused on dissecting the molecular mechanisms and structural features that control KP enzyme activity and metabolic flux. We have made significant progress in characterizing tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and the downstream trio of enzymes—3-HAA dioxygenase (HAO), ACMS decarboxylase (ACMSD), and 2-AMS dehydrogenase (AMSDH)—that regulate metabolic branching and product profiles. By mapping these key control points, we aim to open new avenues for therapeutic intervention. This presentation will highlight our contributions to unraveling KP’s enzymatic network and explore how these insights may translate into new opportunities for developing novel modulators with potential neurodegenerative and cancer therapy applications.

About the Speaker:

Bio:

1997-1999 Ph.D., Biochemistry and Biophysics, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden Thesis: The interaction between iron and the protein radical in aerobic and anaerobic ribonucleotide reductase. Advisor: Professor Astrid Gräslund

1981-1986 Ph.D., Physical Chemistry, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, P. R. China, Advisor: Professor Shu-Ben Li

1981-1986 B.S., Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, P. R. China

Research: