Abstract

A unique central nervous system (CNS)-specific metalloprotease, DINE / ECEL1 (damage induced neuronal endopeptidase / endothelin converting enzyme-like 1), has recently been added to the M13 / neprilysin (NEP) family. This enzyme was identified by two groups independently using different approaches. In this review, we introduce the characteristics of DINE / ECEL1 and focus on the mechanism underlying the transcriptional regulation of DINE in response to neuronal injury.

Keywords: dine, ecel1, neprilysin, neuron, nerve injury, survival, neuropeptides, leukemia inhibitory, factor (lif)