Prolyl Endopeptidase (PREP)

PREP is a cytosolic prolyl endopeptidase that cleaves peptide bonds on the C-terminal side of prolyl residues within peptides that are up to approximately 30 amino acids long. Prolyl endopeptidases have been reported to be involved in the maturation and degradation of peptide hormones and neuropeptides.

A complete cDNA was 2,562 nucleotides long and contained an open reading frame coding for a protein of 710 amino acids. Comparison of the sequences from human lymphocyte PREP and that of pig brain showed 97% identity. Also known as prolyl oligopeptidase, this enzyme shows sequence similarity with dipeptidyl peptidase IV and acylaminoacyl peptidase.