Serine carboxypeptidases in regulation of vasoconstriction and elastogenesis

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2009 Jan;19(1):11-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2009.03.002.

Abstract

Lysosomal carboxypeptidases play important roles in catabolism of proteins and peptides and in posttranslational processing of other lysosomal enzymes. The major lysosomal serine carboxypeptidase A (cathepsin A [CathA]), also known as protective protein, activates and stabilizes two other lysosomal enzymes, beta-galactosidase and neuraminidase/sialidase 1. Genetic deficiency of CathA (galactosialidosis) causes the lysosomal storage of sialylated glycoconjugates and leads to a multiorgan pathology. The galactosialidosis patients also show arterial hypertension and cardiomyopathy, conditions not predicted from the lysosomal storage of glycoconjugates. This review summarizes the experimental data suggesting that both cardiovascular pathologies associate with persisted vasoconstrictions and impaired formation of the elastic fibers triggered by the deficiency of CathA. We also discuss the homologous serine carboxypeptidases, Scpep1 and vitellogenic-like carboxypeptidase, that are secreted from endothelial cells and could potentially affect the cardiovascular system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carboxypeptidases / metabolism
  • Carboxypeptidases A / genetics
  • Carboxypeptidases A / metabolism*
  • Cardiomyopathies / enzymology
  • Elastic Tissue / metabolism*
  • Elastin / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Glycoconjugates / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / enzymology
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases / enzymology*
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases / genetics
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases / pathology
  • Neuraminidase / metabolism
  • Vasoconstriction*
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • Glycoconjugates
  • Elastin
  • Neuraminidase
  • beta-Galactosidase
  • Carboxypeptidases
  • serine carboxypeptidase
  • Carboxypeptidases A