This gene encodes a member of the biopterin-dependent aromatic amino acid hydroxylase protein family. The encoded phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme hydroxylates phenylalanine to tyrosine and is the rate-limiting step in phenylalanine catabolism. Deficiency of this enzyme activity results in the autosomal recessive disorder phenylketonuria. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2017] see less This gene encodes a member of the biopterin-dependent aromatic amino acid hydroxylase protein family. The encoded phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme hydroxylates phenylalanine to tyrosine and is the rate-limiting step in phenylalanine catabolism. Deficiency of this enzyme activity results in the autosomal recessive disorder phenylketonuria. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2017]