Carnosine Dipeptidase 1 (CNDP1)

CNDP1 encodes a member of the M20 metalloprotease family. The encoded protein is specifically expressed in the brain, is a homodimeric dipeptidase which was identified as human carnosinase. This gene contains trinucleotide (CTG) repeat length polymorphism in the coding region.The mouse and rat CN1 homologs do not have an N-terminal signal peptide and are expressed exclusively in kidney. Western blot analysis detected multiple protein bands in extracts of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid and 2 bands in cortex and hippocampus. Immunohistochemical analysis detected CN1 in the cytosol of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus and in large and small neurons of the temporal cortex. In subcortical white matter, CN1 was expressed by small cells, presumably glial cells, and neuronal fibers.