Specificity and Function in Neural Endopeptidases

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Lay SummarySpecificity and Function in Neural Endopeptidases.Small peptide molecules help to carry information in the nervous system, regulate neural activity, and alter the function of other tissues outside the nervous system. The goal of this study is to understand how enzymes that control the levels of these neuropeptides function -how they recognize their target molecules, how they act to cleave them into smaller pieces, and how they avoid attacking inappropriately the many other molecules present. We will combine two approaches to the problem. First, we will use x-ray techniques to provide a detailed, three-dimensional picture of one such enzyme known as endopeptidase 24.16. From this structure of endopeptidase 24.16, we will be able to visualize how the enzyme might bind to and cleave its target peptides. Second, we will use biochemical approaches to better define the characteristics of a good target for endopeptidase 24.16. Ultimately, the information obtained from these studies will add to our ability to engineer proteins for specific tasks.