Classification Term: 168103

5-Aminolevulinic acid

C5H9NO3 (131.0582404)

5-Aminolevulinic acid, also known as 5-aminolevulinate or 5-amino-4-oxopentanoate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as delta amino acids and derivatives. Delta amino acids and derivatives are compounds containing a carboxylic acid group and an amino group at the C5 carbon atom. 5-Aminolevulinic acid is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. 5-Aminolevulinic acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. 5-aminolevulinic acid can be biosynthesized from glycine and succinyl-CoA by the enzyme 5-aminolevulinate synthase. The simplest delta-amino acid in which the hydrogens at the gamma position are replaced by an oxo group. In humans, 5-aminolevulinic acid is involved in the metabolic disorder called the dimethylglycine dehydrogenase deficiency pathway. Outside of the human body, 5-Aminolevulinic acid has been detected, but not quantified in several different foods, such as american butterfish, vaccinium (blueberry, cranberry, huckleberry), amaranths, purple mangosteens, and garden cress. Used (in the form of the hydrochloride salt) in combination with blue light illumination for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratosis of the face or scalp. It is metabolised to protoporphyrin IX, a photoactive compound which accumulates in the skin. An intermediate in heme synthesis. This is the first compound in the porphyrin synthesis pathway. It is produced by the enzyme ALA synthase, from glycine and succinyl CoA. This reaction is known as the Shemin pathway. Aminolevulinic acid plus blue light illumination using a blue light photodynamic therapy illuminator is indicated for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses of the face or scalp. [HMDB]. 5-Aminolevulinic acid is found in many foods, some of which are fireweed, chia, sesbania flower, and taro. L - Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents > L01 - Antineoplastic agents > L01X - Other antineoplastic agents > L01XD - Sensitizers used in photodynamic/radiation therapy Acquisition and generation of the data is financially supported in part by CREST/JST. D011838 - Radiation-Sensitizing Agents > D017319 - Photosensitizing Agents C1420 - Photosensitizing Agent D003879 - Dermatologic Agents KEIO_ID A052