HDC
HDC (histidine decarboxylase) is the enzyme that catalyses the biosynthesis of histamine from histidine. It belongs to the group II decarboxylase family and acts as a homodimer that depends on pyridoxal phosphate. Browse Assay Genie's current range of HDC research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
HDC, or histidine decarboxylase, converts L-histidine to histamine. This is the biosynthetic step that produces histamine, so the enzyme sits at the origin of every histamine-dependent process. The reaction requires pyridoxal phosphate as a cofactor, and the active enzyme forms a homodimer. HDC is classed as a decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.22) and, by sequence, belongs to the group II decarboxylase family.
Histamine, the product of the reaction, regulates several physiological processes. According to the NCBI Gene summary, these include neurotransmission, gastric acid secretion, inflammation and smooth muscle tone. Because the HDC gene encodes the enzyme that makes histamine, it is a natural focus for researchers who study how histamine is produced, rather than how it is sensed or degraded. Studies of the HDC protein often sit alongside work on histamine receptors and on other enzymes of amine metabolism.
The human HDC gene is listed by HGNC within the decarboxylases gene group. The gene has orthologs named Hdc in both mouse and rat, which allows the enzyme to be studied in common rodent models. A subcellular location for the protein is not annotated in UniProt, so any localisation work should rely on experimental evidence. When selecting an HDC antibody or HDC ELISA kit, researchers should check the datasheet of each product for its target species and application.
HDC catalyses the formation of histamine from histidine, making it the key enzyme for studying how histamine is produced.
Histamine regulates neurotransmission, so HDC is relevant to studies of the enzymatic source of this signalling molecule.
Histamine contributes to the regulation of gastric acid secretion, placing HDC upstream of this physiological process.
Histamine influences inflammation and smooth muscle tone, and HDC provides a route to investigate its synthesis in these settings.
HDC catalyses the biosynthesis of histamine from histidine. It converts L-histidine to histamine in a pyridoxal phosphate dependent reaction and functions as a homodimer. Histamine then regulates processes such as neurotransmission, gastric acid secretion, inflammation and smooth muscle tone.
HDC is a member of the group II decarboxylase family, and HGNC places it in the decarboxylases gene group. Its enzyme classification is EC 4.1.1.22. No alternative gene symbols or previous names are recorded for HDC, so histidine decarboxylase is the standard name.
Yes. Both mouse and rat have an ortholog named Hdc, so the enzyme can be studied in common rodent models. Cross-reactivity cannot be assumed from gene conservation alone, so check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Histamine receptors, other decarboxylases and enzymes of amine metabolism with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P19113; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.