Biologically Active Substance
desmosine
Subclass of:
Pyridinium Compounds; Amino Acids, Cyclic
Definitions related to desmosine:
  • A rare amino acid found in elastin, formed by condensation of four molecules of lysine into a pyridinium ring.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • An amino acid derivative comprised of three allysyl side chains plus one unaltered lysyl side chain from the same or neighboring polypeptides condensed into a pyridinium ring. Desmosine is found in elastin and its detection in urine, plasma, or sputum samples can be used as a marker for excessive elastin degradation, which is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other pathologies.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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