Mechanisms and consequences of carnosine-induced activation of intestinal epithelial cells

•Carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine) is a multifunctional dipeptide with many roles.•We studied the molecular basis of carnosine's ability to suppress cognitive decline.•Carnosine activated Caco-2 cells, resulting in the secretion of various factors.•Expression of 745 genes significantly changed upon carnosine treatment.•Some of these genes would explain the mechanism of carnosine action.