| Type: | Domain | Name: | Peptidase M12A, astacin |
| Description: | This group of metallopeptidases belong to the MEROPS peptidase family M12, subfamily M12A (astacin family, clan MA(M)). The protein fold of the peptidase domain for members of this family resembles that of thermolysin, the type example for clan MA and the predicted active site residues for members of this family and thermolysin occur in the motif HEXXH [].The astacin () family of metalloendopeptidases encompasses a range of proteins found in hydra to humans, in mature and developmental systems []. Theirfunctions include activation of growth factors, degradation of polypeptides, and processing of extracellular proteins []. The proteins are synthesisedwith N-terminal signal and pro-enzyme sequences, and many contain multiple domains C-terminal to the protease domain. They are either secreted fromcells, or are associated with the plasma membrane.The astacin molecule adopts a kidney shape, with a deep active-site cleft between its N- and C-terminal domains []. The zinc ion, which lies at thebottom of the cleft, exhibits a unique penta-coordinated mode of binding, involving 3 histidine residues, a tyrosine and a water molecule (which isalso bound to the carboxylate side chain of Glu93) []. The N-terminaldomain comprises 2 alpha-helices and a 5-stranded beta-sheet. The overall topology of this domain is shared by the archetypal zinc-endopeptidasethermolysin. Astacin protease domains also share common features with serralysins, matrix metalloendopeptidases, and snake venom proteases; theycleave peptide bonds in polypeptides such as insulin B chain and bradykinin, and in proteins such as casein and gelatin; and they have arylamidaseactivity []. | Short Name: | Peptidase_M12A |
| DB identifier | Type | Name |
|---|---|---|
| IPR008294 | Family | Meprin alpha/beta subunit |
| IPR015446 | Family | Bone morphogenetic protein 1/tolloid-like protein |
| IPR017369 | Family | SPAN protein/blastula protease 10 |
| IPR017050 | Family | Metallopeptidase, nematode |
| IPR017370 | Family | Hatching enzyme, Uvs2 |
| IPR017367 | Family | Peptidase M12A, nematode astacin 7/8, Caenorhabditis |
| IPR017368 | Family | Peptidase M12A, nematode astacin 9/10/11 |
