Characterization of the endopeptidase activity of tripeptidyl-peptidase II.

Tripeptidyl-peptidase II (TPP II) is a giant cytosolic peptidase with a proposed role in cellular protein degradation and protection against apoptosis. Beside its well-characterised exopeptidase activity, TPP II also has an endopeptidase activity. Little is known about this activity, and since it could be important for the physiological role of TPP II, we have investigated it in more detail.

Exploring the active site of tripeptidyl-peptidase II through studies of pH dependence of reaction kinetics.

Tripeptidyl-peptidase II (TPP II) is a subtilisin-like serine protease which forms a large enzyme complex (>4MDa). It is considered a potential drug target due to its involvement in specific physiological processes. However, information is scarce concerning the kinetic characteristics of TPP II and its active site features, which are important for design of efficient inhibitors.