NCIt definition : A ketone and an amino acid derivative that is synthesized by either tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase
(TDO)- or indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-mediated oxidation of tryptophan with
diverse biological functions, including vasodilatory, immunoregulatory and neuromodulatory
activities. Kynurenine is a precursor for niacin. Additionally, kynurenine can be
further metabolized into anthranilic acid, kynurenic acid, and 3-hydroxykynurenine;
aberrant production of kynurenine is associated with neurological disease-related
cognitive deficits and depressive symptoms. Overexpressed in certain cancer cell types,
kynurenine could potentially be used as a biomarker to assess cancer risk.;