3-Methylhistidine

3-Methylhistidine is an amino acid that is a derivative of the essential amino acid histidine. It is not incorporated into proteins but is free in the muscle tissue and is excreted in the urine. 3-Methylhistidine is a marker of muscle protein breakdown.

Structure and Properties

3-Methylhistidine has a molecular weight of 169.18 g/mol. It is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water. The chemical formula for 3-Methylhistidine is C7H11N3O2.

Biological Role

3-Methylhistidine is formed by the methylation of the imidazole ring of histidine residues in certain proteins, particularly in the contractile proteins actin and myosin. This methylation is irreversible in humans, so the release of 3-Methylhistidine is an indicator of muscle protein breakdown.

Clinical Significance

Measurement of urinary 3-Methylhistidine has been used as a diagnostic tool to assess muscle protein breakdown in various conditions such as cachexia, muscular dystrophy, and cancer. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in these conditions.

See Also

• Amino Acid
• Histidine
• Muscle Tissue
• Urine
• Molecular Weight
• Chemical Formula
• Methylation
• Actin
• Myosin
• Cachexia
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Cancer

3-Methylhistidine Resources
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