Pterin

Pterin is a heterocyclic compound composed of a pteridine ring system, with a "keto group" (a lactam) and an amino group on positions 4 and 2 respectively. It is structurally related to the parent bicyclic heterocycle called pteridine. Pterins, as a group, are compounds related to pterin with additional substituents. Pterin itself is of no biological significance. Pterins were first discovered in the pigments of butterfly wings (hence the origin of their name, from the Greek pteron ( ), wing) and perform many roles in coloration in the biological world.

Pterin is a heterocyclic compound composed of a pteridine ring system, with a "keto group" (a lactam) and an amino group on positions 4 and 2 respectively. It is structurally related to the parent bicyclic heterocycle called pteridine. Pterins, as a group, are compounds related to pterin with additional substituents. Pterin itself is of no biological significance. Pterins were first discovered in the pigments of butterfly wings (hence the origin of their name, from the Greek pteron ( ), wing) and perform many roles in coloration in the biological world. ==Pterin cofactors== Pterin derivatives are common cofactors in all domains of life. ===Tetrahydrobiopterin=== Tetrahydrobiopterin, the major unconjugated pterin in vertebrates, is involved in three families of enzymes that effect hydroxylation. The aromatic amino acid hydroxylases include phenylalanine hydroxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and tryptophan hydroxylases. They are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters catecholamine and serotonin. Tetrahydrobiopterin is also required for the functioning of alkylglycerol monooxygenase, whereby monoalkylglycerols are broken down to glycerol and an aldehyde. In the synthesis of nitric oxide the pterin-dependent nitric oxide synthase converts arginine to its N-hydroxy derivative, which in turn releases nitric oxide. ===Other pterins=== Tetrahydromethanopterin is a cofactor in methanogenesis, which is a metabolism adopted by many organisms, as a form of anaerobic respiration. It carries the C1 substrate in the course of the formation or production of methane. It is structurally similar to folate. ===Pterin pigments=== are colored by orange pterin-containing pigments. ]] Cyanopterin is a glycosylated derivative of pteridine, having an unknown function in cyanobacteria.

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