Ser/Thr Protease

Serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) proteases are a group of enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins at serine or threonine residues. They play critical roles in various biological processes, including digestion, immune response, blood coagulation, and cellular signaling. Unlike other proteases that use a metal ion or an acidic residue to catalyze hydrolysis, Ser/Thr proteases utilize a serine or threonine residue in their active site to perform the catalytic activity. This group includes well-known enzymes like trypsin and thrombin. Malfunctions in Ser/Thr protease activity can lead to diseases such as cancer and inflammatory disorders. Understanding their mechanisms and functions is crucial for developing targeted therapies in medical treatment.