This dipeptide is normally absent from human tissues and body fluids, and its appearance there is an artifact of diet (Proc Soc Pediatr Res 134, 1967.) and serum carnosinase deficiency. (OMIM 212200) Anserine is present in the skeletal muscle of birds and certain species of mammals, notably the rabbit, rat, and whale, contains anserine. (Proc Soc Pediatr Res 134, 1967) The methyl group of anserine is added to carnosine by the enzyme S-adenosylmethionine: carnosine N-methyltransferase. (J Biol Chem 237:1207, 1962.) [HMDB]
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