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Carnosine reacts with protein carbonyl groups:another possible role for the anti-ageing peptide?

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Abstract

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) can delaysenescence and provoke cellular rejuvenation incultured human fibroblasts. The mechanisms by whichsuch a simple molecule induces these effects is notknown despite carnosine's well documented anti-oxidantand oxygen free-radical scavenging activities.Carbonyl groups are generated on proteinspost-synthetically by the action of reactive oxygenspecies and glycating agents and their accumulation isa major biochemical manifestation of ageing. Wesuggest that, in addition to the prophylactic actionsof carnosine, it may also directly participate in theinactivation/disposal of aged proteins possibly bydirect reaction with the carbonyl groups on proteins.The possible fates of these 'carnosinylated' proteinsincluding the formation of inert lipofuscin,proteolysis via the proteasome system and exocytosisfollowing interaction with receptors are alsodiscussed. The proposal may point to a hithertounrecognised mechanism by which cells/organismsnormally defend themselves against protein carbonyls.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biomolecular Sciences Division, GKT School ofBiomedical Sciences, King's College London, Guy'sCampus London Bridge, London, EC1 1UL, UK

    Alan R. Hipkiss & Carol Brownson

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  1. Alan R. Hipkiss
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  2. Carol Brownson
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Correspondence to Alan R. Hipkiss.

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Hipkiss, A.R., Brownson, C. Carnosine reacts with protein carbonyl groups:another possible role for the anti-ageing peptide?. Biogerontology 1, 217–223 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010057412184

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