Peptidase
Peptidase — An enzyme that hydrolyzes peptide bonds, synonymous with protease. Includes both endopeptidases and exopeptidases.
What Is a Peptidase?
Peptidase is a general term for any enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds. Peptidases include endopeptidases (cleave internal bonds), exopeptidases (cleave terminal residues: aminopeptidases from N-terminus, carboxypeptidases from C-terminus), and dipeptidases. The MEROPS database classifies all known peptidases.
Major Families
- Serine: Trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, thrombin, DPP-IV
- Cysteine: Caspases, cathepsins B/L, calpains
- Aspartic: Pepsin, cathepsin D, HIV protease, renin
- Metallo: MMPs, ACE, neprilysin, thermolysin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peptidase?
An enzyme that hydrolyzes peptide bonds, synonymous with protease. Includes both endopeptidases and exopeptidases.
Why is Peptidase important in peptide research?
Peptidase is a fundamental concept in biochemistry as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.