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The metalloprotease "Meprin": Structure and function in the human intestine.
Applicant
Sterchi Erwin Ernst
Number
100772
Funding scheme
Project funding (Div. I-III)
Research institution
Institut für Biochemie und Molekulare Medizin Universität Bern
Institution of higher education
University of Berne - BE
Main discipline
Biochemistry
Start/End
01.04.2003 - 31.03.2008
Approved amount
260'059.00
Show all
All Disciplines (3)
Discipline
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Cellular Biology, Cytology
Keywords (13)
meprin; astacin; Mmetzincin; metalloprotease; Intestine; epithelial cells; brush border membrane; extracellular matrix; adherens junctions; cell migration; colon cancer; inflammatory bowel disease; coeliac disease
Lay Summary (English)
Lead
Lay summary
Meprin is a metalloprotease which is dependent on a zinc atom in the catalytic site. Metzincins are a superfamily of such zinc-dependent metallproteases that includes several different families including MMPs (matrix metalloproteases), ADAMs (A disintegrin and metalloprotease) and astacins. Meprin belongs tothe last of these families, the astacin family, and as such is related to other proteases such as procollagen C-peptidase.Meprin consists of two homologous subunits alpha and beta that form homo- and heterooligomeric structures. The major site of expression for meprin are barrier epithelia such as those found in intestine, the proximal tubules and the podocytes in the kidney, the lactating mammary gland and the placenta. Meprin subunits may be membrane-bound or they may be secreted from the site of synthesis and they can degrade proteins involved in cell-cell, and cell-matrix interactions. In doing so, they may be involved in wound healing, but also in cell detachment and migration. It is thought that meprin plays an important part in colorectal cancer and in inflammatory bowel disease.
Direct link to Lay Summary
Last update: 21.02.2013
Responsible applicant and co-applicants
Name
Institute
Sterchi Erwin Ernst
Institut für Biochemie und Molekulare Medizin Universität Bern
Lottaz Daniel
Universitätsklinik für Rheumatologie, Immunologie und Allergologie Inselspital
Employees
Name
Institute
Oneda Beatrice
Zytogenetisches Diagnostik-& Forschungslabor Institut für Medizinische Genetik der Universität Zürich
Ambort Daniel
Institut für Biochemie und Molekulare Medizin Universität Bern
Associated projects
Number
Title
Start
Funding scheme
125212
Meprins, membrane-bound and secreted Astacinmetalloproteinases: Function in intestinal Epithelium
01.05.2009
Project funding (Div. I-III)
-