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Metalloendopeptidase activity in urine of rodents
R J Beynon1, A V Flannery, G C Macadam
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Liverpool.
Abstract:
The brush border membrane of mice and rats contains a phosphoramidon-insensitive metalloproteinase, meprin (neutral endopeptidase-2; NEP-2). The role of meprin is unknown, but we have shown that urine from these species contains insulin B chain degrading activity that is due to a phosphoramidon-insensitive metalloendopeptidase. By enzymic and immunological criteria, it is likely that this activity is due to meprin, and introduces the possibility that this enzyme may have a role in urinary function.
Insights
Mice and rats possess a urinary enzyme, meprin (neutral endopeptidase-2), that degrades insulin B chain. This phosphoramidon-insensitive metalloendopeptidase may play a role in kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Urology
Background:
- Mice and rats have a brush border membrane enzyme called meprin (neutral endopeptidase-2; NEP-2).
- The specific function of meprin remains largely uncharacterized.
- Insulin B chain degrading activity has been detected in the urine of these species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the identity of the enzyme responsible for insulin B chain degradation in urine.
- To explore the potential role of meprin in urinary function.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic assays were used to characterize the insulin B chain degrading activity in urine.
- Immunological techniques were employed to identify the enzyme involved.
- The activity was assessed for phosphoramidon-insensitivity.
Main Results:
- Urine from mice and rats exhibits phosphoramidon-insensitive metalloendopeptidase activity against insulin B chain.
- Enzymatic and immunological evidence strongly suggests that meprin is responsible for this urinary activity.
Conclusions:
- The enzyme meprin (neutral endopeptidase-2) is likely present and active in the urine of mice and rats.
- Meprin's presence in urine suggests a potential role in urinary physiology or pathology.