Imidazolepropionic acid, also known as deaminohistidine or 4-imidazolylpropionate (ImP), belongs to the class of organic compounds known as imidazolyl carboxylic acids and derivatives. These are organic compounds containing a carboxylic acid chain (of at least 2 carbon atoms) linked to an imidazole ring. ImP is a metabolite of histidine and it is formed from histidine via a urocanate intermediate in gut microbiota by the enzyme urocanate reductase (urdA). Histidine can be obtained from the diet from foods such as meat and dairy and other foods high in protein. ImP is a very strong basic compound (based on its pKa). ImP is a product of histidine metabolism which may involve oxidation or transamination. Imidazole propionate impairs insulin signaling at the level of insulin receptor substrate through the activation of p38γ MAPK, which promotes p62 phosphorylation and, subsequently, activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1).

Metabolism and Physiological Effects of Imidazolepropionic Acid References