Dipeptidyl Peptidase
Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in protein digestion. It helps break down peptides, which are short chains of amino acids, by removing dipeptides from the N-terminus of proteins. This process is essential for the proper functioning of various biological systems, including metabolism and immune response.
One of the most studied forms of this enzyme is Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which is involved in regulating blood sugar levels. DPP-4 inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucose production in the liver.