Chymase
Chymase, encoded by the CMA1 gene (chymase 1, mast cell), is a chymotryptic serine protease and the major secreted protease of mast cells. It is linked to vasoactive peptide generation, extracellular matrix degradation and the regulation of gland secretion. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Chymase research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Chymase is a chymotryptic serine proteinase and the major secreted protease of mast cells. Its suspected roles include the generation of vasoactive peptides, the degradation of the extracellular matrix and the regulation of submucosal gland secretion. In the heart and blood vessels, chymase, rather than angiotensin converting enzyme, is largely responsible for converting angiotensin I to the vasoactive peptide angiotensin II. This makes it a protease of particular interest in cardiovascular biology.
The CMA1 gene encodes the chymase protein, which is expressed in mast cells and sits in the peptidase S1 family, granzyme subfamily. UniProt records its location as both secreted and within cytoplasmic granules, consistent with a protease that is stored in mast cell granules and released into the surrounding tissue. Alternative splicing of the gene results in multiple variants. Orthologous genes are present in mouse and rat, both named Cma1, which allows the biology of this protease to be studied in rodent models.
HGNC classifies the gene within the group of granule associated serine proteases of immune defence, and its previous name was chymase 1, mast cell. The enzyme carries the EC number 3.4.21.39. Researchers studying chymase, whether through the CMA1 gene, the chymase protein or its activity, typically do so in the context of mast cell function, tissue remodelling and the local generation of angiotensin II.
Chymase is the major secreted protease of mast cells, so it serves as a readout of mast cell granule content and secretion.
In the heart and blood vessels, chymase is largely responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, rather than angiotensin converting enzyme.
Chymase is thought to function in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, linking mast cell activity to tissue remodelling.
Chymase is thought to regulate submucosal gland secretion, making it relevant to studies of secretory tissues.
Chymase is the major secreted protease of mast cells. It is suspected to generate vasoactive peptides, degrade extracellular matrix and regulate gland secretion. In the heart and blood vessels it is largely responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, in place of angiotensin converting enzyme.
CMA1 is the HGNC symbol for the gene encoding chymase. Its full name is chymase 1, and its previous name was chymase 1, mast cell. No alternative symbols are listed. Alternative splicing of the gene results in multiple variants.
Yes. Mouse and rat both have an ortholog named Cma1. Chymase belongs to the peptidase S1 family, granzyme subfamily. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before using it in rodent studies.
Other mast cell proteases, granule serine proteases and renin-angiotensin pathway components with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P23946; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.