Imidazol-4-one-5-propionic acid is an intermediate in the metabolism of
histidine. It is a colorless compound that is sensitive to light in air. The compound features an
imidazolone ring.[1]
Occurrence
It arises via the action of
urocanase on
urocanic acid. Hydrolysis of the
heterocycle to the glutamic acid derivative is catalyzed by imidazolonepropionate hydrolase.
Microbial production of imidazol-4-one-5-propionic acid in the human gut has been shown to affect insulin signaling, which is relevant to
type II diabetes.[2]
^Hassall, H.; Greenberg, D. M. (1971). "Preparation and properties of 4(5)-imidazolone-5(4)-propionic acid". Methods Enzymol. 17(Pt. B): 89–91.
doi:
10.1016/0076-6879(71)17014-0.