Reaction: L-kynurenine + 2-oxoglutarate = kynurenate + L-glutamate + H2O (overall reaction)
(1a) L-kynurenine + 2-oxoglutarate = 4-(2-aminophenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoate + L-glutamate
(1b) 4-(2-aminophenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoate + H2O = kynurenate + H2O (spontaneous)
For diagram click here and another example (mechanism).
Glossary: kynurenine = 2-amino-4-(2-aminophenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid = 3-anthraniloylalanine
kynurenate = 4-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylate
Other name(s): kynurenine transaminase (cyclizing); kynurenine 2-oxoglutarate transaminase; kynurenine aminotransferase; L-kynurenine aminotransferase
Systematic name: L-kynurenine:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase
Comments: A pyridoxal-phosphate protein. Also acts on 3-hydroxykynurenine. The product 4-(2-aminophenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoate is converted into kynurenate by a spontaneous reaction.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, PDB, CAS registry number: 9030-38-0
References:
1. Jakoby, W.B. and Bonner, D.M. Kynurenine transaminase from Neurospora. J. Biol. Chem. 221 (1956) 689-695.
2. Mason, M. Kynurenine transaminase of rat kidney: a study of coenzyme dissociation. J. Biol. Chem. 227 (1957) 61-68.