CPA6

Carboxypeptidase A6 (CPA6), also known as carboxypeptidase A-like protein 6, is a zinc-dependent metalloprotease of the M14 family. It cleaves C-terminal aromatic or aliphatic amino acids from peptides, critical for neuropeptide processing (e.g., substance P, enkephalins) in the nervous system.
CPA6 regulates neurochemical signaling pathways linked to pain perception and mood. Mutations in CPA6 are associated with neurological disorders like epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. No targeted drugs exist yet, but preclinical research explores its potential as a therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric conditions, focusing on modulating its enzymatic activity to restore neuropeptide balance.