Meprin beta Subunit/MEP1B: Proteins and Enzymes

Meprins are multimeric proteases composed of alpha and beta subunits, which are members of the astacin family of zinc endopeptidases. Both meprin subunits form disulfide-linked homo- or heterooligomers, which are also referred to as Merpin A (composed of alpha subunits with or without beta subunits) and Merpin B (composed of beta subunits only). Although the two meprin subunits share 42% identity in their amino acid sequence, they differ significantly in their oligomeric structure, post-translational processing and subsequently cellular location, and substrate and peptide bond specificity.