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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Zinc metalloproteinase aureolysin
- Molecular classification
- Enzyme, Metalloproteinase, Zinc-dependent proteinase, Thermolysin-like proteinase
01
Overview
Zinc metalloproteinase aureolysin is a secreted extracellular metalloprotease from *Staphylococcus aureus*, belonging to the thermolysin/M4 family of zinc-dependent proteinases[3]. The mature enzyme consists of a 301-amino acid catalytic domain processed from a larger precursor, and binds one zinc and up to three calcium ions for activity and structural integrity[1][3]. Aureolysin can degrade host plasma proteinase inhibitors, activate prothrombin, modulate immune responses, and process other bacterial proteins, playing an essential role in the virulence and immune evasion capacity of *S. aureus*[1][2][4]. While widely accepted as a bacterial virulence factor and potential therapeutic target, there are currently no approved clinical inhibitors specific to aureolysin[3][4].
- Other names
- aureolysinaurStaphylococcal aureolysinStaphylococcus aureus metalloproteinase
02
Mechanism of action
Metal chelation (inhibition by removal/blocking of catalytic zinc/cofactor); Protease inhibition (blocking the active site or substrate access)[3]
03
Biological functions
Proteolysis of host and bacterial proteinsImmune evasion (resistance to complement-mediated killing)Activation and processing of staphylococcal secreted proteinsDirect effect on host cell surface receptor shedding[2][4]
04
Disease associations
Infection (Staphylococcal infection/virulence factor)Inflammation (indirect roles via immune modulation)[2][4]
05
Safety considerations
Potential bacterial resistance if used as an antibacterial targetHomology to human metalloproteinases—possible off-target toxicity/challenges in developing highly specific inhibitors[3]
06
Interacting drugs
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (general metalloproteinase inhibitor; not clinically specific)
2 more in the full profile.
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