Metallokarboksüpeptidaas

Metallokarboksüpeptidaas is a type of enzyme that belongs to the class of hydrolases. Specifically, it is a carboxypeptidase that requires a metal ion, typically zinc, for its catalytic activity. These enzymes are involved in the breakdown of proteins by cleaving amino acids from the carboxyl terminus of a peptide chain. The presence of a metal cofactor is crucial for the enzyme to bind to its substrate and facilitate the hydrolysis of the peptide bond. Metallokarboksüpeptidaases are found in various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, playing roles in processes such as protein turnover, digestion, and the activation or inactivation of peptides. Their function is often regulated, and they can be inhibited by specific chelating agents that bind to the essential metal ion. The precise mechanism of action involves the metal ion coordinating with water molecules and activating them for nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl carbon of the peptide bond. Studies on metallokarboksüpeptidaases contribute to our understanding of enzyme kinetics, protein metabolism, and the development of therapeutic agents.