title: Imidazol-4-one-5-propionic acid
text: # Imidazol-4-one-5-propionic acid
  
  Imidazol-4-one-5-propionic acid is an intermediate in the metabolism of histidine. It is a colorless compound that is sensitive to light in air. The compound features an imidazolone ring.
  
  ## Occurrence
  
  It arises via the action of urocanase on urocanic acid. Hydrolysis of the heterocycle to the glutamic acid derivative is catalyzed by imidazolonepropionate hydrolase.
  
  Microbial production of imidazol-4-one-5-propionic acid in the human gut has been shown to affect insulin signaling, which is relevant to type II diabetes.
  
  