Latexin (LXN)

Latexin is a specific inhibitor of zinc-dependent metallocarboxypeptidases. The deduced 222-amino acid protein is an elongated molecule with N- and C-terminal domains that each consist of an alpha helix enveloped by a curved beta sheet. The 2 domains are separated by a connecting segment.Lxn was less potent against other mammalian carboxypeptidases, and it did not inhibit other metallopeptidases or serine proteases.

It also showed low specificity, inhibiting several metallocarboxypeptidases containing a characteristic alpha/beta hydrolase fold. The inhibition constant was within the nanomolar range for these substrates. LXN did not inhibit enzymes of other carboxypeptidase classes.