Carnosine N-methyltransferase 1 (CARNMT1)

Carnosine N-methyltransferase 1 (CARNMT1) is an enzyme responsible for the N1-position-specific methylation of the histidine residue in the dipeptide carnosine, transforming it into anserine, which is highly abundant in vertebrate skeletal muscle[1][3][4]. CARNMT1 also catalyzes histidine methylation in other peptides and a wide range of proteins, particularly those containing C3H zinc finger (ZF) motifs, with broad effects on protein function and RNA metabolism[1]. Its activity is essential for embryogenesis, as loss of function leads to embryonic lethality in model organisms. CARNMT1 is thus a methyltransferase with critical roles in post-translational protein modification and regulation of RNA-binding protein functions[1][3].

Other names

CARNMT1CARMEC9orf41HNMT-like protein

Histidine N1-methylation of carnosine and other histidine-containing peptides; Generation of anserine from carnosine; Methylation of RNA-binding proteins affecting RNA metabolism[1][3]