Aminopeptidases: towards a mechanism of action

Aminopeptidases catalyse the removal of amino acids from peptide substrates. Although many functions have been ascribed to these enzymes, lack of knowledge of their complex structure has prevented detailed analysis. Several recent studies have now provided information on the structure and molecular biology of these enzymes, the kinetics of substrate hydrolysis and inhibitor binding. These new data allow prediction of a model mechanism of action for a large subgroup of aminopeptidases.