脑啡肽酶(Neprilysin,NEP)属于哺乳动物膜金属肽酶家族,是一种膜结合型的金属蛋白酶。已知NEP是脑内主要的Aβ降解酶,并且被认为在AD的病理过程中起到关键作用。它可以与锌离子配位,其活性依赖于锌离子的存在,而且受到其他某些金属离子的调节。金属元素与体内有机配体所形成的配位化合物在很多生命活动中起到重要作用,本文就NEP的结构和活性与金属元素锌、铜、镉的关系作一综述。
Neprilysin (NEP) is a member of mammalian type II integral membrane endopeptidase family, which is known as the primary Aβ degrading enzyme in the brain, and it plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). NEP is capable of zinc coordination and its activity depends on the presence of zinc, while also is influenced by certain other metals. Metal elements are important factors in many biochemistry processes in the organism through forming coordination complex with organic molecules. This review focuses on structure and function of NEP in relation to zinc, copper and cadmium.