N-Acetyl-L-proline or N-Acetylproline, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as N-acyl-alpha amino acids. N-acyl-alpha amino acids are compounds containing an alpha amino acid which bears an acyl group at its terminal nitrogen atom. N-Acetylproline can also be classified as an alpha amino acid or a derivatized alpha amino acid. Technically, N-Acetylproline is a biologically available N-terminal capped form of the proteinogenic alpha amino acid L-proline. N-acetyl amino acids can be produced either via direct synthesis of specific N-acetyltransferases or via the proteolytic degradation of N-acetylated proteins by specific hydrolases. N-terminal acetylation of proteins is a widespread and highly conserved process in eukaryotes that is involved in protection and stability of proteins. About 85% of all human proteins and 68% of all yeast proteins are acetylated at their N-terminus. The majority of eukaryotic N-terminal-acetylation reactions occur through N-acetyltransferase enzymes or NATs. In addition to the NAT enzymes and protein-based acetylation, N-acetylation of free proline can also occur. Many N-acetylamino acids, including N-acetylproline are classified as uremic toxins if present in high abundance in the serum or plasma. N-acetylproline in the body can cause kidney damage and contribute to tumorigenesis, L-proline can be obtained from the diet from foods that are high in protein such as meat, fish, and dairy. Once ingested, L-proline gets converted to N-acetylproline in the liver via NATs.

Metabolism and Physiological Effects of N-Acetylproline References