DOPA AS AN ANTIMETABOLITE IN HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

A point mutation affecting the primary structure of an enzyme which usually distinguishes between dopa or a dopa metabolite and tyrosine could explain the neuronal cell death which is characteristic of Huntington's disease. The dopa metabolite would then act as an antimetabolite, inhibiting the tyrosine t-R.N.A. acylation step, blocking protein synthesis, and eventually causing cell death.