This gene encodes a member of the group II decarboxylase family and forms a homodimer that converts L-histidine to histamine in a pyridoxal phosphate dependent manner. Histamine regulates several physiologic processes, including neurotransmission, gastric acid secretion,inflamation, and smooth muscle tone.[provided by RefSeq, Aug 2010]
Forensic Context
A study in mice demonstrated that the HDC gene was upregulated in common in both blood and spleen leukocytes at 2 hours post-injury across three distinct models of systemic inflammation: trauma/hemorrhage, burn injury, and lipopolysaccharide infusion [Brownstein et al. DOI:10.1152/physiolgenomics.00213.2005]. This upregulation was identified through microarray analysis and is part of a common early transcriptional response to injury, with the majority of such commonly altered genes being assignable to immune response and cell death pathways.