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Merck

Racemization of aspartic acid in human proteins.

Ageing research reviews (2002-06-01)
Stefanie Ritz-Timme, Matthew J Collins
ABSTRACT

Aspartic acid racemization (AAR) represents one of the major types of non-enzymatic covalent modification that leads to an age-dependent accumulation of abnormal protein in numerous human tissues. In vivo racemization is an autonomic process during the "natural" ageing of proteins, and correlates with the age of long-lived proteins. Consequently AAR can be used as molecular indicator of protein ageing as well as for the identification of permanent proteins that age with the human organism. Although long-living, structural proteins are mainly affected, AAR may be significant on a time scale also relevant to enzymes and signaling proteins. It may result in a loss of protein function due to proteolysis or due to changes in the molecular structure. In vivo racemization may also increase in pathological conditions. AAR has already been discussed as a relevant pathophysiological factor in the pathogenesis of diseases of old age such as atherosclerosis, lung emphysema, presbyopia, cataract, degenerative diseases of cartilage and cerebral age-related dysfunctions. Although the details of the biological consequences of AAR have to be further elucidated, it is evident that AAR plays a role in the molecular biology of ageing.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Supelco
L-Aspartic acid, certified reference material, TraceCERT®, Manufactured by: Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH, Switzerland
Sigma-Aldrich
L-Aspartic acid, from non-animal source, meets EP, USP testing specifications, suitable for cell culture, 98.5-101.0%
Sigma-Aldrich
L-Aspartic acid, reagent grade, ≥98% (HPLC)
Sigma-Aldrich
L-Aspartic acid, BioXtra, ≥99% (HPLC)
Aspartic acid, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
SAFC
L-Aspartic acid
Supelco
L-Aspartic acid, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
Sigma-Aldrich
L-Aspartic acid, BioUltra, ≥99.5% (T)