Endothelin converting enzyme-2: a processing enzyme involved in the generation of novel neuropeptides

Protein Pept Lett. 2004 Oct;11(5):461-9. doi: 10.2174/0929866043406463.

Abstract

Members of several metalloprotease families have been proposed to be involved in non-classical processing of neuroendocrine precursors. Among them, endothelin converting enzyme-2 (ECE-2) is a good candidate since it exhibits a neuroendocrine distribution, intracellular subcellular localization, and an acidic pH optimum. The enzyme is able to generate a number of biologically active peptides from peptide intermediates, suggesting an important role for this enzyme in the biosynthesis of regulatory peptides. These results are consistent with an important role for ECE-2 in the processing of regulatory peptides at non-classical sites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • Endothelin-Converting Enzymes
  • Humans
  • Metalloendopeptidases / chemistry
  • Metalloendopeptidases / genetics
  • Metalloendopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neuropeptides / chemistry
  • Neuropeptides / classification
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Protein Transport

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • Metalloendopeptidases
  • ECE2 protein, human
  • Endothelin-Converting Enzymes