Serine carboxypeptidases: a new and versatile family of enzymes

Several structural and biochemical studies in the past year have revealed the potential application of a new family of serine proteinase, the serine carboxypeptidases, in peptide synthesis, carboxy-terminal peptide sequencing and the production of biologically active carboxy-terminal peptide amides. The recent determination of the high-resolution crystal structures for two members of the family, CPDW-II and CPDY, should permit protein engineering to further increase their utility.