< Back to previous page

Project

Prolyl carboxypeptidase in peripheral body weight control and glucose homeostasis: is cleavage of apelin-13 playing a role?

The complex mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of these metabolic disorders remains poorly understood. Recent findings indicate that the enzyme prolyl carboxypeptidase (PRCP) plays a role in body weight control and glucose homeostasis by inactivating melanocyt-stimulating hormone MSH, a neuropeptide which causes a loss of appetite. We aim to investigate whether 'peripheral' (outside the central nervous system) actions of PRCP also contribute to this function. Our preliminary experiments have identified apelin, which also regulates feeding behaviour and glucose metabolism, as a novel PRCP substrate. Firstly, we will characterize this cleavage in vitro and investigate whether truncation by PRCP alters the function of apelin and other peptide substrates. Secondly, the role of PRCP on in vivo cleavage of peripheral apelin will be investigated.
Date:1 Oct 2016 →  31 Dec 2016
Keywords:MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
Disciplines:Biomarker discovery and evaluation, Drug discovery and development, Medicinal products, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy and phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy, Toxicology and toxinology, Other pharmaceutical sciences