Aminopeptidase

Aminopeptidases: Enzymes responsible for breaking down peptides

Aminopeptidases are a class of enzymes belonging to the group of hydrolases. They play an important role in catalyzing the breakdown of tri- and polypeptides, as well as proteins, leading to the formation of free amino acids. These enzymes are widely distributed in all tissues of animals and plants, and are also found in microorganisms.

Aminopeptidases perform a key function in the body's biochemical processes associated with the processing of proteins and peptides. They are involved in various physiological processes, including digestion, amino acid metabolism, immune responses and signaling pathways.

One of the main functions of aminopeptidases is the cleavage of peptide bonds within peptides and proteins. This allows long chains of amino acids to be broken down into shorter fragments and ultimately form free amino acids. Free amino acids can then be used by the body to synthesize new proteins or as a source of energy.

Different types of aminopeptidases can be found in different tissues and organs of the body. Some of them are found in the digestive system and play an important role in the digestion process. For example, aminopeptidases present in the intestine are involved in the hydrolysis of peptides supplied with food and ensure their breakdown into smaller fragments for absorption by the body.

In addition to their digestive function, aminopeptidases also play an important role in the processing of proteins within cells. They can break down peptides formed during the synthesis of new proteins and participate in their subsequent modification. It helps in regulating protein metabolism and maintaining balance in cellular processes.

It is interesting to note that aminopeptidases are widely distributed in different organisms. They are found not only in animals and plants, but also in microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. This indicates the importance of these enzymes in biological systems and their versatility in various life forms.

In conclusion, aminopeptidases are a class of enzymes that play an important role in the breakdown of peptides and proteins. They ensure the processing of proteins in the body, forming free amino acids and participating in various biochemical processes. Due to their widespread occurrence and versatility, aminopeptidases are key participants in metabolic pathways and the regulation of protein metabolism in animals, plants and microorganisms.

Links:

1. Kukushkin A. N., Peregudova T. O. Aminopeptidases // Biochemistry. 2012. T. 77. No. 4. P. 315-328.
2. Rawlings N. D., Barrett A. J. Introduction: metallopeptidases and their clans. Handbook of Proteolytic Enzymes. 2013. pp. 2315-2316.
3. Oliveira V., Sardinha J., Castanheira P., et al. Aminopeptidases in infection and immunity. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics. 2020. Т. 1868. № 1. С. 140291.

**Aminopeptidase is a group of enzymes that belong to the family of hydrolases** that catalyze the deamination of R-NH3+ (R- amino acid). The amino group is split off from the amino acid and breaks down to ammonia. There are two types of aminopeptidases: endopeptidases (enzymes that cleave amino acid residues into peptides and at the same time convert peptide bonds into amide bonds) and exopeptidases (protein hydrolases that cleave peptide chains but do not change their sequence).

**The general property of aminopepeptidrases** is that they are present in all cells of organisms and perform various physiological functions: * Breakdown of peptides and proteins of 3-4 amino acid residues * Formation of an ammonia molecule * Synthesis of enzymes *

The functions of aminopeptidase in the body are determined by substrate specificity and molecular properties. They accumulate at certain times of the day and are dynamic enzymes. Cells synthesize different types of aminopepsidnases and express them in certain quantities depending on the culture conditions, cell type and purpose of synthesis.