Asparaginyl endopeptidases: enzymology, applications and limitations
T M Simon Tang1, Louis Y P Luk2
1School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK. lukly@cardiff.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEP) are cysteine proteases found in mammalian and plant cells. Several AEP isoforms from plant species were found to exhibit transpeptidase activity which is integral for the key head-to-tail cyclisation reaction during the biosynthesis of cyclotides. Since many plant AEPs exhibit excellent enzyme kinetics for peptide ligation via a relatively short substrate recognition sequence, they have become appealing tools for peptide and protein modification. In this review, research focused on the enzymology of AEPs and their applications in polypeptide cyclisation and labelling will be presented. Importantly, the limitations of using AEPs and opportunities for future research and innovation will also be discussed.
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