Carnosine Dipeptidase(Cndp): An emerging therapeutic target for metabolic diseases and cancers

Metabolic diseases, associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, pose a challenge to global public health and a significant burden on society. Since the discovery of carnosinase-2(CNDP2)-mediated synthesis of lactate and phenylalanine, which subsequently forms N-Lactoyl-Phenylalanine (Lac-Phe) to inhibit food intake and obesity, the carnosine dipeptidases (CNDPs)have attracted increasing scientific interest. Although the role of CNDP in diabetic nephropathy has been extensively studied, its role in other metabolic diseases remains unclear. In this study, we have overviewed the enzymatic and other roles of CNDP proteins focusing on recent research demonstrating the regulatory roles of CNDP on various metabolic diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that carnosinase-1(CNDP1) and carnosinase-2 are crucial for the management of metabolic diseases under both physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, interest in the pharmacological modulators of CNDP has been steadily increasing. Overall, we suggest that CNDP can be considered a promising therapeutic target for the effective treatment of metabolic diseases.