Carboxypeptidase A

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Carboxypeptidase A (CPA) is a zinc-containing metalloprotease that removes amino acid residues from the C-terminal of a peptide chain. CPA is a pancreatic exopeptidase that hydrolyzes peptide bonds of C-terminal residues with aromatic or aliphatic side-chains. It is one of the most intensively studied enzymes in the catalytic MIP field.

CPA has a molecular weight of 35 kD and contains one zinc ion in its active site. The catalytic action of CPA involves two guanidinium groups and a Zn2+ ion