Allysine


Allysine is a derivative of lysine, used in the production of elastin and collagen. It is produced by the actions of the enzyme lysyl oxidase in the extracellular matrix and is essential in the crosslink formation that stabilizes collagen and elastin.

Allysine in Disease

Large quantities of elastin and collagen present in tissue may lead to metastasis: spread of disease. Fibrous tissue containing oxidized collagen may result in a condition known as fibrosis. The oxidation of lysine resides present in collagen creates the aldehyde, aminoadipic-δ-semialdehyde. Increased allysine concentration in tissues has been correlated to the presence of fibrosis.

Allysine Quantification

In one study, allysine is first reacted in acidic conditions with sodium 2-naphthol-7-sulfonate. A fluorescent bis-naphtol allysine is the product. Allysine is then quantified through use of high-performance liquid chromatography. The results of this study provide a statistically relevant method in correlating greater concentrations of allysine and fibrotic tissue. The study shows that fibrotic tissue contains 2.5 times more alyssine than non-fibrotic tissue.