Carboxypeptidase M (CPM) specifically removes C-terminal basic residues (Arg or Lys) from peptides and proteins. Carboxypeptidase exert roles in the physiological processes of blood coagulation/fibrinolysis, inflammation, food digestion and pro-hormone and neuropeptide processing. CPM is believed to play important roles in the control of peptide hormone and growth factor activity at the cell surface, and in the membrane-localized degradation of extracellular proteins. It is widely distributed in a variety of tissues and cells. CPM is involved in peptide metabolism on both the cell surface and in extracellular fluids. CPM functions not only as a protease but also as a binding partner in cell-surface protein-protein interactions.
