Meprin A and Meprin B (MEP1A/MEP1B)

Meprins are zinc-dependent metalloproteases of the astacin family, primarily expressed in the brush border of the kidney and intestine, as well as in the skin and leukocytes. They consist of two subunits, Meprin alpha (MEP1A) and Meprin beta (MEP1B), which can form homomeric or heteromeric complexes. Meprins are unique for their ability to process a wide array of substrates, including abnormal proteins like amyloid-beta and inflammatory proteins such as cytokines (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) and chemokines. In disease states, dysregulated meprin activity contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease through the generation of neurotoxic amyloid peptides, and to inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and acute kidney injury by modulating cytokine activity and tissue remodeling. Consequently, meprins are considered promising therapeutic targets, with inhibitors being explored for their potential to mitigate inflammation and neurodegeneration.

Other names

Meprin alphaMeprin betaMEP1AMEP1BEndopeptidase-2PABA peptide hydrolaseN-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid hydrolase

Protease inhibition