Amidation☆

Abstract

Many peptides used by the nervous and endocrine systems for cell–cell communication require an amide group at the C-terminus to become fully active. Peptidylglycine-α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is the only known enzyme that catalyzes this step in peptide maturation. In this chapter, we discuss the importance of this modification and the mechanism by which peptides are amidated by PAM. We also review some of the recent advances made towards understanding PAM function. Finally, we discuss the relevance of PAM and peptide amidation in human health and disease.