Seprase, also known as 17 KD melanoma membrane-bound gelatinase , Fibroblast activation protein alpha, Integral membrane serine protease and FAP, is a single-pass type II membrane protein which belongs to thepeptidase S9B family. Seprase / FAP is found in cell surface lamellipodia, invadopodia and on shed vesicles. Seprase / FAP appears to act as a proteolytically active 17-KD dimer, consisting of two 97-KD subunits. It is a member of the group type II integral serine proteases, which includes dipeptidyl peptidase IV ( DPPIV / CD26 ) and related type II transmembrane prolyl serine peptidases, which exert their mechanisms of action on the cell surface. Seprase / FAP colocalized with DPP4 in invadopodia and lamellipodia of migratory activated endothelial cells in collagenous matrix. Seprase / FAP colocalized with DPP4 on endothelial cells of capillary-like microvessels but not large vessels within invasive breast ductal carcinoma. DPP4 and seprase exhibit multiple functions due to their abilities to form complexes with each other and to interact with other membrane-associated molecules. In association with DPP4, Seprase / FAP is involved in the pericellular proteolysis of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the migration and invasion of endothelial cells into the ECM. Seprase / FAP has a dual function in tumour progression. The proteolytic activity of Seprase has been shown to promote cell invasiveness towards the ECM and also to support tumour growth and proliferation. Seprase / FAP may have a role in tissue remodeling during development and wound healing, and may contribute to invasiveness in malignant cancers.
