Myeloid and erythroid nuclear termination stage specific protein
Encyclopedia
Myeloid and erythroid nuclear termination stage-specific protein (MENT) is a member of the serpin
family of protease
inhibitors, and participates in DNA
and chromatin condensation. Alongside its ability to condense chromatin
, MENT is also an effective inhibitor of the protease
s cathepsin K
, cathepsin L, and cathepsin V, all of which are cysteine protease
s. As such, although MENT is structurally classified as a member of the serpin family, it is functionally termed a "cross-class inhibitor," as it is a cysteine rather than a serine protease
inhibitor.
Serpin
Serpins are a group of proteins with similar structures that were first identified as a set of proteins able to inhibit proteases. The acronym serpin was originally coined because many serpins inhibit chymotrypsin-like serine proteases .The first members of the serpin superfamily to be extensively...
family of protease
Protease
A protease is any enzyme that conducts proteolysis, that is, begins protein catabolism by hydrolysis of the peptide bonds that link amino acids together in the polypeptide chain forming the protein....
inhibitors, and participates in DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
and chromatin condensation. Alongside its ability to condense chromatin
Chromatin
Chromatin is the combination of DNA and proteins that make up the contents of the nucleus of a cell. The primary functions of chromatin are; to package DNA into a smaller volume to fit in the cell, to strengthen the DNA to allow mitosis and meiosis and prevent DNA damage, and to control gene...
, MENT is also an effective inhibitor of the protease
Protease
A protease is any enzyme that conducts proteolysis, that is, begins protein catabolism by hydrolysis of the peptide bonds that link amino acids together in the polypeptide chain forming the protein....
s cathepsin K
Cathepsin K
Cathepsin K, abbreviated CTSK, is an enzyme which in humans is encoded by the CTSK gene.- Function :The protein encoded by this gene is a lysosomal cysteine protease involved in bone remodeling and resorption...
, cathepsin L, and cathepsin V, all of which are cysteine protease
Cysteine protease
Proteases are enzymes that degrade polypeptides. Cysteine proteases have a common catalytic mechanism that involves a nucleophilic cysteine thiol in a catalytic dyad. The first step is deprotonation of a thiol in the enzyme's active site by an adjacent amino acid with a basic side chain, usually a...
s. As such, although MENT is structurally classified as a member of the serpin family, it is functionally termed a "cross-class inhibitor," as it is a cysteine rather than a serine protease
Serine protease
Serine proteases are enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins, in which serine serves as the nucleophilic amino acid at the active site.They are found ubiquitously in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes...
inhibitor.
External Links
- The MEROPSMeropsMerops may refer to:* Merops , a genus of bee-eaters.* MEROPS, an on-line database for peptidases.It may also refer to several figures from Greek mythology:* King of Ethiopia, husband of Clymene, who lay with Helios and bore Phaethon...
online database for peptidases and their inhibitors: I04.033