L-Proline

White to off-white powder. Soluble in water (50 mg/ml) or ethanol. Chemical. CAS: 147-85-3. Formula: C5H9NO2. MW: 115.13. Synthetic. Proline is a proteinogenic amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. L-Proline has been found to act as a weak agonist of the glycine receptor and of both NMDA and non-NMDA (AMPA/kainate) ionotropic glutamate receptors. L-proline is essential for induction of hepatocyte proliferation in culture, through its affect on synthesis of intracellular collagen. It has free radical scavenging potential. Induces differentiation of embyonic stem cells and has been studied as regulator of pluripotent cells in culture. Shows cryoprotective properties. L-Proline is used as asymmetric catalysts in organic synthesis and asymmetric aldol cyclization. It is involved in the Michael addition of dimethyl malonate to alfa-beta-unsaturated aldehydes. It finds uses in pharmaceutical, biotechnological applications due to its osmoprotectant property.