Tryptophanderived

Tryptophan-derived is an umbrella term for chemical compounds that originate from the essential amino acid tryptophan. These compounds can be direct derivatives of tryptophan or products formed through its metabolism in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Because tryptophan contains an indole ring, many tryptophan-derived molecules are indole-containing and participate in signaling, metabolism, and defense.

In animals, major pathways begin with tryptophan being converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan and then to serotonin; serotonin can be further converted to the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin. In plants, tryptophan serves as a precursor to the growth regulator indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and to various indole alkaloids and defensive compounds. In microbes, tryptophan can give rise to a range of indole derivatives and to metabolites via the kynurenine pathway, producing kynurenine and related compounds.

Representative tryptophan-derived entities include serotonin and melatonin, the plant hormone IAA, tryptamine and related indole compounds, and kynurenine pathway metabolites such as kynurenic acid. Some pharmaceuticals and natural products employ tryptophan-derived scaffolds, and researchers study these molecules for roles in mood, sleep, plant growth, and neuroprotection.

Understanding tryptophan-derived metabolism informs nutrition, physiology, and medicine. Alterations in tryptophan processing have been associated with psychiatric disorders, inflammatory conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therapeutic strategies often target serotonin and melatonin signaling or the kynurenine pathway to modulate mood, cognition, and immune responses.