DJ-1 family Maillard deglycases prevent acrylamide formation

The presence of acrylamide in food is a worldwide concern because it is carcinogenic, reprotoxic and neurotoxic. Acrylamide is generated in the Maillard reaction via condensation of reducing sugars and glyoxals arising from their decomposition, with asparagine, the amino acid forming the backbone of the acrylamide molecule. We reported recently the discovery of the Maillard deglycases (DJ-1/Park7 and its prokaryotic homologs) which degrade Maillard adducts formed between glyoxals and lysine or arginine amino groups, and prevent glycation damage in proteins. Here, we show that these deglycases prevent acrylamide formation, likely by degrading asparagine/glyoxal Maillard adducts. We also report the discovery of a deglycase from the hyperthermophilic archaea Pyrococcus furiosus, which prevents acrylamide formation at 100 °C. Thus, Maillard deglycases constitute a unique enzymatic method to prevent acrylamide formation in food without depleting the components (asparagine and sugars) responsible for its formation. •Acrylamide is a carcinogenic, reprotoxic and neurotoxic food polluant.•Acrylamide is generated in a Maillard reaction between asparagine and glyoxals.•Maillard deglycases prevent acrylamide formation likely by degrading Maillard adducts.•Deglycase PfpI from Pyrococcus furiosus prevents acrylamide formation at 100 °C.•Maillard deglycases may prevent acrylamide formation in baby food, evaporated milk.