Chymase
chymase 1, mast cell | |
---|---|
Chymase with PMSF bound PDB: 1KLT | |
Identifiers | |
Symbol | CMA1 |
Entrez | 1215 |
HUGO | 2097 |
OMIM | 118938 |
RefSeq | NM_001836 |
UniProt | P23946 |
Other data | |
EC number | 3.4.21.39 |
Locus | Chr. 14 q11.2 |
Chymases (EC 3.4.21.39, mast cell protease 1, skeletal muscle protease, skin chymotryptic proteinase, mast cell serine proteinase, skeletal muscle protease) are a family of serine proteases found primarily in mast cells, though also present in basophil granulocytes (e.g. alpha chymase mcpt8). They show broad peptidolytic activity and are involved in a variety of functions. For example, chymases are released by mucosal mast cells upon challenge with parasites and parasite antigens promoting an inflammatory response. Chymases are also known to convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II and thus play a role in hypertension and atherosclerosis.[1]
Because of its role in inflammation it has been investigated as a target in the treatment of asthma.[2]