Marta Figueiredo, PhD, managing science editor —

Mutations in the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene — the gene associated with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency — are linked with an increased risk of severe malaria, according to a review study. The study, “Genome-wide association studies of severe P. falciparum malaria susceptibility: progress, pitfalls…

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), the enzyme deficient in patients with AADC deficiency, also is involved in the process of viral infections, a new study suggests. The work sheds light on AADC functions outside the brain and suggests that AADC may have anti-viral effects, opening new possibilities in…