Biosynthesis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in a melanoma cell line and its metabolization by peroxidases.
Biochemical Pharmacology April 1, 2014 M. M. Gomes, J. B. Coimbra, R. O. Clara et al. 21 citations
Tryptophan metabolism includes a minor route producing tryptamine and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), compounds found in very low amounts and considered trace amines. In a melanoma cell line (SK-Mel-147), DMT and its metabolite N,N-dimethyl-N-formyl-kynuramine (DMFK) were identified in cell supernatant. Adding DMT to the culture led to hydroxy-DMT and indole acetic acid after 24 hours. The cells expressed myeloperoxidase (MPO) mRNA and had peroxidase activity. DMT oxidation by peroxidases (horseradish peroxidase, MPO from activated neutrophils) produced DMFK, N,N-dimethyl-kynuramine, and hydroxy-DMT via the common peroxidase cycle. This describes a previously unreported alternative metabolic pathway for DMT in humans, identifying DMT and metabolites in a melanoma cell line.