Interaction of mushroom tyrosinase with aromatic amines, o-diamines and o-aminophenols

3-Amino-L-tyrosine was found to be a substrate of mushroom tyrosinase, contrary to what had previously been reported in the literature. A series of amino derivatives of benzoic acid were tested as substrates and inhibitors of the enzyme. 3-Amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid and 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid were oxidized by this enzyme, as previously reported for Neurospora crassa tyrosinase, but 4-aminobenzoic acid and 3-aminobenzoic acid were not. Interestingly, 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid was oxidized five times faster than 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid, confirming the importance of proton transfer from the hydroxyl group at C-4 position. All compounds inhibited the m…