MR-387A and B, New Aminopeptidase N Inhibitors, Produced by Streptomyces neyagawaensis SL-387.

Abstract

Aminopeptidase N (AP-N, or aminopeptidase M, EC 3.4.ll.2) is a memberof a family of membrane-bound metallopeptidases with wide distribution on the surfaces of diverse cell types.X) This enzyme plays the part of an enzymewhich inactivates enkephalins, the pentapetides with morphine-like activities in cerebral membranes.2) In recent years, the human myeloid plasma membrane glycoprotein CD13has been proved to be identical to AP-N,3) and it is expressed in human myeloid leukemia cell lines4) and malignant mesenchymal tumors.5) Saiki et al.6) and Menrad et al.1] have found aminopeptidase N to play important roles in the invasion of metastatic tumors in vitro. Recently, Ino et al.8) also suggested that AP-Ninhibitors such as bestatin and actinonin could