piridoksálfoszfát

Pyridoxal phosphate, often abbreviated as PLP, is the active form of vitamin B6. It is a cofactor in over 140 enzymatic reactions in the body, playing a crucial role in a wide variety of metabolic processes. These include amino acid metabolism, where it is essential for transamination, decarboxylation, and racemization reactions. PLP is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

The structure of pyridoxal phosphate consists of a pyridine ring with a phosphate group attached. This phosphate group is key to its function, as it allows PLP to bind to the active site of enzymes. In its role as a cofactor, PLP typically forms a Schiff base with a lysine residue in the enzyme's active site. This interaction is critical for stabilizing intermediate structures during enzymatic reactions.

PLP is synthesized in the body from pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine, all forms of vitamin B6. Dietary intake of vitamin B6 is therefore necessary for maintaining adequate PLP levels. Deficiencies in vitamin B6 can lead to a range of health problems, reflecting the widespread importance of PLP in numerous biochemical pathways. Its involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis, for example, highlights its significance for neurological function.