title: Action of cathepsin D on human beta-lipotropin: a possible source of human "beta-melanotropin".
abstract: Highly purified calf brain cathepsin D (EC 3.4.23.5) selectively splits the Leu77-Phe78 and Ala36-Ala37 peptide bonds of human beta-lipotropin. It is suggested that the formation of human "beta-melanotropin" from gamma-lipotropin, and that of gamma-endorphin from beta-endorphin, is due to the action of cathepsin D during isolation procedures.
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D002403:Cathepsins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000378:metabolism*; D008083:beta-Lipotropin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D004723:Endorphins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011498:Protein Precursors; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones; D008083:beta-Lipotropin; D002403:Cathepsins