METAP2
Description
The METAP2 (methionyl aminopeptidase 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
METAP2 is an enzyme encoded by the METAP2 gene in humans. It belongs to the dimetallohydrolase family and is a cytosolic metalloenzyme responsible for removing the initial methionine from newly synthesized proteins. This process is essential for proper protein function and is particularly important in tissue repair and protein degradation. METAP2 is also crucial for angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, making it a target for anti-angiogenic treatments aimed at combatting diseases like cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Interestingly, METAP2 is targeted by natural products like ovalicin and fumagillin, which have anti-angiogenic properties. The initial amino acid in protein synthesis is either methionine (in eukaryotes) or formylmethionine (in prokaryotes). In prokaryotes, an enzyme removes the formyl group, leaving the N-terminal methionine. METAP2 then removes the methionine in specific circumstances, ensuring proper protein structure and function.
METAP2 is also known as MAP2, MNPEP, p67eIF2.
