MEROPS

MEROPS is a comprehensive online database for information on peptidases (also known as proteases), their inhibitors, and substrates. The database is maintained by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and provides a detailed classification of peptidases based on their structure and function.

Overview

MEROPS classifies peptidases into different families and clans based on similarities in their amino acid sequences and structural features. Each peptidase is assigned a unique identifier, and the database includes information on the enzyme's catalytic type, specificity, and biological role.

Classification

Peptidases in MEROPS are categorized into:

• Aspartic peptidases
• Cysteine peptidases
• Metallo peptidases
• Serine peptidases
• Threonine peptidases
• Glutamic peptidases

Each family is further divided into subfamilies and individual peptidases, with detailed annotations on their structure and function.

Features

MEROPS provides several key features:

• **Sequence Data**: Detailed amino acid sequences for each peptidase.
• **Structural Information**: 3D structures of peptidases where available.
• **Functional Data**: Information on the biological roles and mechanisms of action.
• **Inhibitors**: Data on molecules that inhibit peptidase activity.
• **Substrates**: Information on the natural and synthetic substrates of peptidases.

Applications

The MEROPS database is widely used in biomedical research, drug discovery, and biotechnology. It helps researchers understand the role of peptidases in various biological processes and diseases, and aids in the development of peptidase inhibitors as therapeutic agents.

Related Pages

• Protease
• Enzyme
• Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
• Biotechnology
• Drug discovery

See Also

• InterPro
• Pfam
• UniProt