Carboxypeptidase A5 (CPA5)

Members of the A/B subfamily of carboxypeptidases, such as CPA5, contain an approximately 90-amino acid pro region that assists in the folding of the active carboxypeptidase domain. CPA5 ESTs were found in testis, adult brain, and fetal heart cDNA libraries. One of the CPA5 sequences from testis contains an alternative exon 2 (exon 2B) not found in the other CPA5 sequences. Northern blot analysis of mouse tissues detected Cpa5 expression in testis, but not in kidney, liver, brain, and lung. RT-PCR detected expression in mouse testis and pancreas and in a mouse pituitary corticotrophic cell line, but not in any other mouse tissues examined. In situ hybridization revealed stage-specific expression of Cpa5 in germ cells of mouse testis. Cpa5 was also expressed in the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary, but not in the neural lobe.