Biomarkers

Target: Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate

Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, also known as PLP or phosphopyridoxal, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as pyridoxals and derivatives. Pyridoxals and derivatives are compounds containing a pyridoxal moiety, which consists of a pyridine ring substituted at positions 2,3,4, and 5 by a methyl group, a hydroxyl group, a carbaldehyde group, and a hydroxymethyl group, respectively. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate is the active form of vitamin B6 serving as a coenzyme for synthesis of amino acids, neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine), sphingolipids, aminolevulinic acid. During transamination of amino acids, pyridoxal phosphate is transiently converted into pyridoxamine phosphate (pyridoxamine). Pyridoxal-phosphate is also a cofactor of many enzymatic reactions. It is the active form of vitamin B6 which comprises three natural organic compounds, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine and pyridoxine.