DAAO Human

DAAO is a peroxisomal enzyme which uses FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) as a cofactor and oxidizes D-amino acids to the corresponding amino acids, producing ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. DAAO substrates include an extensive array of D-amino acids, but it is inactive on the naturally occurring L-amino acids. DAAO acts on a variety of D-amino acids especially on those having small hydrophobic side chains followed by those bearing polar, aromatic, and basic groups; however it doesn’t act on acidic amino acids. DAAO may be involved in acid base balance in the kidney or it could act as a detoxifying agent which removes D-amino acids accumulated during aging. DAAO regulates the neuromodulator D-serine level in the brain. DAAO is highly active towards D-DOPA. Creatinine inhibits the DAAO in uremia. DAAO may also have a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, but not in bipolar disorder.