Desmosine

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein

**Definition:** 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.

**Synonyms:** - 4-[(4S)-4-Amino-4-Carboxybutyl]-1-[(5S)-5-Amino-5-Carboxypentyl]-3,5-Bis[(3S)-3-Amino-3-Carboxypropyl]Pyridinium - 6-{4-[(4S)-4-Amino-4-Carboxybutyl]-3,5-Bis[(3S)-3-Amino-3-Carboxypropyl]-1-Pyridiniumyl}-L-Norleucine - DESMOSINE - Des - Pyridinium, 4-(4-Amino-4-Carboxybutyl)-1-(5-Amino-5-Carboxypentyl)-3,5-Bis(3-Amino-3-Carboxypropyl)-