Neural Endopeptidase 24.15: A Model of Extracellular Communication

Roberts，James L. 中枢神经系统中的经典化学信使是简单的分子，一旦释放，就会迅速从发挥作用的部位移除。 大脑和其他身体组织也使用称为肽的小蛋白质分子作为信使分子，但终止其作用的机制相对未知。 Roberts博士和Glucksman博士鉴定了一种可溶性肽加工和降解酶，称为EP 24.15，并确定了其在修饰肽作用中的潜在作用。 然而，这种酶具有几个独特的特征，值得注意的是，它不包含允许它通过经典途径分泌的序列，并且它位于细胞核以及细胞表面。 这些不寻常的特征构成了Roberts和Glucksman博士进行研究的基础。 他们将研究参与EP 24.15分泌的细胞间途径，以及缺乏参与分泌的序列的蛋白质所使用的机制，以靶向分泌。 已经鉴定了这种酶的多种形式，并将研究这些形式之间的关系。 这些令人兴奋的研究将揭示神经内分泌细胞内肽加工和分泌的新机制，并对分泌生物学产生影响。

IBN-9512113 Roberts, James L. Classical chemical messengers in the central nervous system are simple molecules which upon release are rapidly removed from the site where their actions are exerted. The brain and other bodily tissues also use small protein molecules called peptides as messenger molecules, but the mechanisms in place to terminate their effects are relative unknown. Dr. Roberts and Dr. Glucksman identified a soluble peptide processing and degrading enzyme known as EP 24.15 and established its potential role in modifying peptide actions. However, this enzyme has several unique features, notably that it does not contain a sequence that will allow it to be secreted by classical pathways, and it is located in the nucleus of the cell as well as on the cell surface. These unusual features form the basis for the investigations to be performed by Drs. Roberts and Glucksman. They will examine the intercellular pathway involved in the secretion of EP 24.15 and the mechanisms used by a protein lacking a sequence involved in secretion, to be targeted for secretion. Multiple forms of this enzyme have been identified and the relationship of these forms will be investigated. These exciting studies will reveal novel mechanisms involved in peptide processing and secretion within neuroendocrine cells and have implications for secretory biology, in general.