Zebrafish tyrosine hydroxylase 2 gene encodes tryptophan hydroxylase

Abstract

Background: Zebrafish tyrosine hydroxylase 2 (th2) has been considered as a marker of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the investigation of DA neuron development and the pathological mechanism of Parkinson disease. Results: th2 is required for the synthesis of serotonin in vivo and has tryptophan hydroxylase activity in vitro. Conclusion: th2 should be considered as a marker gene of serotonergic neurons. Significance: This result facilitates the elucidation of zebrafish neural circuitry. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.