An overview of the serpin superfamily

Genome Biol. 2006;7(5):216. doi: 10.1186/gb-2006-7-5-216. Epub 2006 May 30.

Abstract

Serpins are a broadly distributed family of protease inhibitors that use a conformational change to inhibit target enzymes. They are central in controlling many important proteolytic cascades, including the mammalian coagulation pathways. Serpins are conformationally labile and many of the disease-linked mutations of serpins result in misfolding or in pathogenic, inactive polymers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Protein Conformation
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / classification
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / physiology*
  • Serpins / chemistry*
  • Serpins / classification
  • Serpins / physiology*

Substances

  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Serpins