Carboxypeptidase N

Carboxypeptidase N (synonym: kinase-I) is a proteolytic enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of the lysyl binding peptide at the N-terminal end of the peptide. This enzyme is found in all human tissues and cells, where it is responsible for removing the N-terminal carboxylic acid, which holds the peptide precursor molecule until it is fully matured and forms the final protein structure.

Carboxypeptdase-N functions as a kinase by stimulating the release of lysyl bonds in the peptide chain molecule during the process of protein maturation. It may be critical in regulating cellular activity and gene expression patterns because it can deactivate numerous molecular signals that mediate cell sensitivity or the functioning of certain signaling pathways.

Of particular interest is the use of carboxypeptidase-N in post-translational modeling processes.