Background
Meprin A subunit alpha, also known as MEP1A, and Endopeptidase-2, is a single-pass type I membrane protein which belongs to thepeptidase M12A family. MEP1A contains oneEGF-like domain, oneMAM domain, and oneMATH domain. Meprins are unique plasma membrane and secreted metalloproteinases that are highly regulated at the transcriptional and post-translational levels. Meprin alpha and beta subunits are abundantly expressed in kidney and intestinal epithelial cells, are secreted into the urinary tract and intestinal lumen, and are found in leukocytes and cancer cells under certain conditions. Meprins are capable of proteolytically degrading extracellular matrix proteins, proteolytically processing bioactive proteins, and play a role in inflammatory processes. Meprin A and B are highly regulated, secreted and cell-surface homo- and hetero-oligomeric enzymes. Meprins are abundantly expressed in kidney and intestine. The multidomain alpha and beta subunits have high sequence identity. They have very different substrate specificities, oligomerization potentials and are differentially regulated. Meprin A appears to be an important therapeutic target and urinary excretion appears to be a potential biomarker of acute kidney injury ( AKI ).
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