Metalloproteases.
Nagase H.
Metalloproteases (metallopeptidases) are composed of a diverse group of endopeptidases and exopeptidases. Because metalloproteases play key roles in many normal biological processes, their aberrant activities have been implicated in diseases such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, nephritis, disorders in the central nervous system, fibrosis, and infection, as well as others. This unit provides an overview of metalloproteases, including their classification, catalytic mechanisms, structures, substrate specificities, and common inhibitors.