[C.elegansII] ad446 : serotonin-deficient (nodetectable serotonin immunoreactivity);serotonin immunoreactivity restored by exposure to serotonin, but not to 5-hydroxytryptophan; poor male turning behavior [Loer and Kenyon 1993; LC; DA]
bas-1 encodes a serotonin- and dopamine-synthetic aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAADC) that is required for the synthesis of serotonin from 5-hydroxytryptophan in vivo; mutations of bas-1 impair the turning step in male mating, the migration of AVM, SDQR, ALM, and BDU neurons during development.
Predicted to enable L-dopa decarboxylase activity. Involved in several processes, including locomotion involved in locomotory behavior; phenol-containing compound biosynthetic process; and reproductive behavior. Predicted to be located in cytoplasm. Expressed in dopaminergic neurons; serotonergic neurons; socket cell; tail; and in male. Used to study cocaine abuse and nicotine dependence. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency; bipolar disorder; and hyperinsulinism. Is an ortholog of human DDC (dopa decarboxylase).