Amastatin

Amastatin is a tetrapeptide competitive inhibitor of various aminopeptidases, particularly aminopeptidase N (CD13). It is derived from the actinomycete Streptomyces amastatinicus.

Amastatin's structure is L-Val-L-Val-L-Asp-D-allo-Hyl-OH (where Hyl is hydroxylysine). It exhibits a high affinity for aminopeptidase N, also known as alanyl aminopeptidase, found on the surface of various cells, including immune cells and cancer cells.

Amastatin has been used extensively in biochemical research to study the role of aminopeptidases in various biological processes. These processes include, but are not limited to, peptide and protein turnover, antigen processing, and tumor cell growth and metastasis. Its inhibitory action on aminopeptidase N has made it a valuable tool for investigating the enzyme's involvement in angiogenesis and other pathological conditions.

While Amastatin is primarily used as a research tool, investigations have explored its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer research, due to its ability to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.