Identification and partial characterisation of a serum enzyme which hydrolyses epidermal inhibitory pentapeptide
Whitehead, P.A.; Robinson, P.A.; Hume, W.J.; Keen, J.N.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 175(3): 978-985
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-291X PMID: 2025267 Document Number: 371936
We have identified an enzyme present in mammalian, avian, and reptilian serum which cleaves epidermal inhibitory pentapeptide (pGlu-Glu-Asp-Ser-GlyOH) to form a relatively stable tripeptide (pGlu-Glu-Asp). The enzyme has an inhibitor profile unlike any readily identifiable serum enzyme, and is stable at 4.degree.C for up to 3 months. As most experiments using the pentapeptide are carried out in the presence of serum this finding may have important implications on future research into the biological function of the pentapeptide.