title: Neuropeptidases regulating gonadal function.
abstract: The generation and metabolism of bioactive peptides involves a series of highly ordered proteolytic events. This post-translational processing can occur either within the cell, at the cell surface or after secretion. In the central nervous system a number of extracellular peptidases have been implicated in the regulated processing of peptides, particularly in the regulation of neuroendocrine function. The aim of this study has been to identify the peptidases involved in the metabolism of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and to characterize the factors and the mechanisms by which the activity of these peptidases are regulated. We have shown that both prolylendopeptidase and the thimet oligopeptidase EC 3.4. 24.15 are involved in GnRH metabolism and that both oestrogen and thiol-based reductants could be involved in the physiological regulation of their activities.
authors.affiliation: Baker Medical Research Institute, PO Box 6492, St Kilda Road Central, Melbourne, Victoria 8008, Australia. ian.smith@baker.edu.au
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Shrimpton
authors.forename: U M
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Wolfson
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Lew
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000502:physiology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D000085822:Prolyl Oligopeptidases; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D012756:Sheep; D013879:Thioredoxins / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D010455:Peptides; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013879:Thioredoxins; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; D000085822:Prolyl Oligopeptidases; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; C022510:thimet oligopeptidase; D005978:Glutathione