The goal of our laboratory is to provide evidence that neuropeptide proteases are associated with control mechanisms of biological action, including modulation of neuropeptide structure at the synapse and at the blood brain barrier. To compliment our biochemical and structure activity studies my laboratory has been studying the regulation of peptidases and peptides at the level of the gene using discrete human cell lines. By coupling molecular studies to our biochemical measurements we feel that we are in a good position to determine the site and level of enzyme peptide regulation. Acute administration of neuroleptics decreases neurotensin metabolism on intact regional rat brain slices. The ontogeny of enzymes involved in the post-translational processing and metabolism of neuropeptides.
Protease inhibitors suppress in vitro growth of human small cell lung cancer.