Nardilysin convertase (NRDC)

Nardilysin convertase (NRDC) is a **zinc-dependent metalloendopeptidase** of the M16 family that cleaves peptide substrates at the N-terminus of arginine residues in dibasic motifs and acts as a critical activator of BACE1- and ADAM17-mediated pro-neuregulin ectodomain shedding[2][4]. NRDC also functions as a transcriptional coregulator by binding methylated histone H3 (especially H3K4me2), directly influencing the expression of cell cycle and other genes[1]. It plays central roles in processes such as cell proliferation, migration, neural development (myelination), thermoregulation, and β-cell function[1][2]. NRDC is highly expressed in some cancers, and its dysregulation is linked to intellectual developmental disorders, hypomyelination, and metabolic defects[1][2]. It also regulates membrane expression and function of certain ion channels, such as the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel, indicating an additional role in smooth muscle physiology[3]. No approved drugs directly targeting NRDC have been reported, but its broad biological actions suggest therapeutic interest and nuanced safety challenges.

Other names

NardilysinNRDCNRD1NRD convertaseNRD-ChNRD1hNRD2N-arginine dibasic convertaseNardilysin convertase

Inhibitors of NRDC would likely modulate ectodomain shedding of HB-EGF, TNF-α, amyloid precursor protein, and other substrates, impacting growth factor signaling, inflammation, or amyloid precursor processing[1][4].