procarboxypeptidaasin

Procarboxypeptidase A, also known as procarboxypeptidase A, is a digestive enzyme precursor. It is secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form and is activated in the small intestine. Once activated, it belongs to the carboxypeptidase family of enzymes, which are metalloproteinases. Specifically, carboxypeptidase A plays a crucial role in the digestion of proteins by cleaving specific amino acids from the C-terminus of polypeptides. This process contributes to the breakdown of dietary proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can then be absorbed by the body. The enzyme requires a metal ion, typically zinc, for its catalytic activity. Its specificity for cleaving aromatic and aliphatic amino acids at the C-terminus makes it a key player in protein catabolism. Procarboxypeptidase A is synthesized as a zymogen, meaning it is an inactive precursor that undergoes proteolytic cleavage to become active. This zymogen activation is essential to prevent self-digestion within the pancreas. The activation typically occurs through the action of trypsin. Dysfunction or deficiency in carboxypeptidase A can lead to impaired protein digestion and malabsorption.