NPEPPS
Description
The NPEPPS (aminopeptidase puromycin sensitive) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
Puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase, also known as cytosol alanyl aminopeptidase or alanine aminopeptidase (AAP) (EC 3.4.11.14), is an enzyme encoded by the NPEPPS gene in humans. It is used as a biomarker to detect kidney damage and may help diagnose certain kidney disorders. Elevated levels in urine indicate kidney problems. This gene encodes the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase, a zinc metallopeptidase that hydrolyzes amino acids from the N-terminus of its substrate. The protein is located in both the cytoplasm and cellular membranes. This enzyme degrades enkephalins in the brain, and studies in mice suggest its involvement in proteolytic events regulating the cell cycle. It has been identified as a novel modifier of TAU-induced neurodegeneration with neuroprotective effects via direct proteolysis of TAU protein. Loss of NPEPPS function worsens neurodegeneration. The NPEPPS gene is located on chromosome 17q21, consisting of 25 exons and spanning 40 kb. NPEPPS is a ubiquitous, 100 kDa, Zn2+ metallopeptidase highly expressed in the brain.
This aminopeptidase exhibits broad substrate specificity, cleaving numerous peptides. It is crucial for proteolytic events essential to cell growth and survival. It potentially regulates neuropeptide activity. It plays a role in the antigen processing pathway for MHC class I molecules. It is involved in trimming the N-terminus of cytotoxic T-cell epitope precursors. It digests poly-Q peptides found in many cellular proteins. This enzyme digests tau from normal brain more efficiently than tau from Alzheimer's disease brain.
NPEPPS is also known as AAP-S, MP100, PSA.
