Biosynthesis of ascorbate is known to occur in liver and/or kidney of some vertebrates; however, a recent study discovered the expression of l-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase, an enzyme essential for ascorbate synthesis, in the brain of the African lungfish, Protopterus annectens. This report provides an up-to-date review on ascorbate synthesis in fishes and the possible future directions of study in view of the discovery of the unusual site of ascorbate biosynthesis.
Biosynthesis of ascorbate is known to occur in liver and/or kidney of some vertebrates; however, a recent study discovered the expression of l-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase, an enzyme essential for ascorbate synthesis, in the brain of the African lungfish, Protopterus annectens. This report provides an up-to-date review on ascorbate synthesis in fishes and the possible future directions of study in view of the discovery of the unusual site of ascorbate biosynthesis.