In enzymology, a tryptophan transaminase (EC 2.6.1.27) is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction
- L-tryptophan + 2-oxoglutarate (indol-3-yl)pyruvate + L-glutamate
Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are L-tryptophan and 2-oxoglutarate, whereas its two products are (indol-3-yl)pyruvate and L-glutamate.
This enzyme belongs to the family of transferases, specifically the transaminases, which transfer nitrogenous groups. The systematic name of this enzyme class is L-tryptophan:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase. Other names in common use include L-phenylalanine-2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, tryptophan aminotransferase, 5-hydroxytryptophan-ketoglutaric transaminase, hydroxytryptophan aminotransferase, L-tryptophan aminotransferase, and L-tryptophan transaminase. This enzyme participates in tryptophan metabolism. It employs one cofactor, pyridoxal phosphate.