Chymase

chymase 1, mast cell

Chymase with PMSF bound PDB: 1KLT
Identifiers
Symbol CMA1
Entrez 1215
HUGO 2097
OMIM 118938
RefSeq NM_001836
UniProt P23946
Other data
EC number 3.4.21.39
Locus Chr. 14 q11.2

Chymases (EC 3.4.21.39, mast cell protease 1, skeletal muscle protease, skin chymotryptic proteinase, mast cell serine proteinase, skeletal muscle protease) are a family of serine proteases found primarily in mast cells, though also present in basophil granulocytes (e.g. alpha chymase mcpt8). They show broad peptidolytic activity and are involved in a variety of functions. For example, chymases are released by mucosal mast cells upon challenge with parasites and parasite antigens promoting an inflammatory response. Chymases are also known to convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II and thus play a role in hypertension and atherosclerosis.[1]

Because of its role in inflammation it has been investigated as a target in the treatment of asthma.[2]

References

  1. Caughey, GH. Mast cell tryptases and chymases in inflammation and host defense. Immu Revs 2007 (217): 141-154. PMID 17498057
  2. de Garavilla et al. Journal of Biochemistry 2005(280) pp.18001-18007.
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