Aspartic proteases are relatively a small group of proteolytic enzymes. Over the last decade, they have received tremendous research interest as potential targets for pharmaceutical intervention as many have been shown to play significant roles in physiological and pathological processes. Despite numerous efforts, however, the only inhibitors for aspartic proteases currently in the market are d...

Neptunea cumingii is a carnivorous snail with very high market value, but it cannot be cultivated on large scale at present due to the lack of an appropriate artificial feed. In this study, we fed N. four kinds diets ( Cristaria plicata meat, Chlamys farreri mantle, Mytilus edulis and feed) for 90 days then measured growth indexes digestive immune enzyme indexes. We also subjected liver samples...

EPI-hNE4 (depelstat) is a potent inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase derived from human inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor and designed to control the excess proteolytic activity in the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients. We analyzed its resistance to the proteolysis it is likely to encounter at inflammatory sites in vivo. EPI-hNE4 resisted hydrolysis by neutrophil matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) ...

BACKGROUND Scabies is a disease of worldwide significance, causing considerable morbidity in both humans and other animals. The scabies mite Sarcoptes scabiei burrows into the skin of its host, obtaining nutrition from host skin and blood. Aspartic proteases mediate a range of diverse and essential physiological functions such as tissue invasion and migration, digestion, moulting and reproducti...

BACKGROUND Serine protease inhibitors act as modulators of serine proteases, playing important roles in protecting animal toxin peptides from degradation. However, all known serine protease inhibitors discovered thus far from animal venom belong to the Kunitz-type subfamily, and whether there are other novel types of protease inhibitors in animal venom remains unclear. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Here...

Netherton syndrome is a congenital ichthyosis associated with erythroderma, hair shaft defects, and atopic features. The mutations of the secretory serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 5 gene have been identified in Netherton syndrome patients; however, the actual physiologic substrates of the serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 5 proprotein are unknown, and how the genetic defects cause chara...

Loss of integrity of the epithelial/mucosal barrier in the small intestine has been associated with different pathologies that originate and/or develop in the gastrointestinal tract. We showed recently that mucin, the main protein in the mucus layer, is disrupted during early periods of intestinal ischemia. This event is accompanied by entry of pancreatic digestive enzymes into the intestinal w...

Cryptochromes are evolutionary ancient blue-light photoreceptors that part of the circadian clock in nervous system many organisms. transfer information predominant light regime to which results fast adjustment photoperiod. Therefore, is sensitive changes and can be affected by anthropogenic Artificial Light At Night (ALAN). This turn has consequences for associated behavioral processes, e.g., ...