Tryptophanase

In enzymology, a tryptophanase (EC 4.1.99.1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction

L-tryptophan + H₂O indole + pyruvate + NH₃

Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are L-tryptophan and H₂O, whereas its 3 products are indole, pyruvate, and NH₃.

This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically in the "catch-all" class of carbon-carbon lyases. The systematic name of this enzyme class is L-tryptophan indole-lyase (deaminating; pyruvate-forming). Other names in common use include L-tryptophanase, and L-tryptophan indole-lyase (deaminating). This enzyme participates in tryptophan metabolism and nitrogen metabolism. It has 2 cofactors: pyridoxal phosphate, and Potassium.