The Characteristics, Functions and Inhibitors of Three Aminopeptidases Belonging to the M1 Family

Various aminopeptidases belong to the M1 aminopeptidase family. They are all zinc dependent enzymes playing important roles in several biological processes such as regulation of blood pressure under both physiological and pathological conditions, and the angiogenesis and metastasis of tumor, etc. They all have the highly conserved HEXXH(X)18E zinc-binding and GAMEN motifs essential for enzyme activities. In this review, the current situation regarding the biochemical characteristics, biological functions and inhibitors of three important members of these enzymes, aminopeptidase A, aminopeptidase N and aminopeptidase B are summarized.