胱蛋白酶抑制剂超家族中的新成员——CRES亚类

CRES subgroup-new member of the cystatin superfamily of cysteine protease inhibitors

胱蛋白酶抑制剂超家族由stefins、cystatins及kininogens三个家族组成,CRES亚类是近年来发现的cystatins家族的新成员,主要包括Cres、Cres 2、Cres 3、Testatin、Cystatin T、Cystatin SC、Cystatin E1及Cystatin E2等,它们在结构上与cystatins家族具有一定的同源性,但不具备cystatins抑制半胱氨酸蛋白酶所必需的三个功能位点,主要在雄性生殖系统尤其是睾丸及附睾中表达。探究CRES亚类的表达调控及其生物学功能将有助于阐明精子发生与成熟过程的分子机制。

The cystatin superfamily of cysteine protease inhibitors consists of three major families: the stefins, cystatins and kininogens. The CRES subgroup ( including Cres, Cres 2, Cres 3, Testatin, Cystatin T, Cystaitin SC, Cystatin El and Cystatin E2)is a new member of the cystatins family which is predominantly expressed in male reproductive system, especially in the testis and epididymis. The CRES subgroup shares sequence homology with the cystatins but lacks the three consensus sites necessary for the cystatin inhibition of cysteine proteases. Investigation of the regulation and function of the CRES subgroup may help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of sperm development and maturation.