Serpins constitute a superfamily of proteins that possess a unique tertiary structure and mechanism of proteinase inhibition. In humans, serpins constitute 10% of the plasma proteins and are best known as critical regulators of both the thrombotic and fibrinolytic systems. Serpins also participate in the regulation of the complement cascade, angiogenesis, tumor metastasis, apoptosis and innate immunity. Considering the importance of these molecules in regulating proteolytic cascades, it is not surprising to find that loss- and gain-of-function mutations result in significant human diseases.Massive thrombosis or bleeding, hereditary angioedema, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic angiopathy and tumor invasion are some of the human diseases associated with serpins. In addition, mutations that alter serpin conformations (the serpinopathies) lead to lung disease, cirrhosis and a form of familial dementia. The goal of this text is to present the current knowledge on the molecular and cellular basis of serpins and their diseases.

Serpins are a group of proteins with similar structures that were first identified as a set of proteins able to inhibit proteases. This volume in the Methods in Enzymology series comprehensively covers this topic. With an international board of authors, this volume covers subjects such as Crystallography of serpins and serpin complexes, Serpins as hormone transporters, and Production of serpins using cell free systems. - This volume in the Methods in Enzymology series comprehensively covers the topic of serpins - With an international board of authors, this volume covers subjects such as Crystallography of serpins and serpin complexes, Serpins as hormone transporters, and Production of serpins using cell free systems

The book provides an comprehensive overview on biology, genetics and cellular functions of serpins (serine protease inhibitors) in health and disease. With over 1000 members serpins are the most diverse family of protease inhibitors. Latest groundbreaking research findings are presented and broaden the understanding on inhibitory and non-inhibitory serpins, not only in mammalian organisms but also in insects, worms, plants and viruses.​

Proteases occur naturally in all organisms. They are enzymes that are involved in many physiological reactions such as digestion of food and blood clotting. This volume reviews their role in health and disease and presents the latest research and developments. Discusses new discoveries, approaches, and ideas Contributions from leading scholars and industry experts Reference guide for researchers involved in molecular biology and related fields

Serpins are a group of proteins with similar structures that were first identified as a set of proteins able to inhibit proteases. The acronym serpin was originally coined because many serpins inhibit chymotrypsin-like serine proteases. This volume of Methods in Ezymology is split into 2 parts and comprehensively covers the subject.

This book bridges the gap between fundamental research and biomedical and pharmacological applications on proteases. It represents a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted field of proteases in cellular environment and highlights the recently elucidated functions of complex proteolytic systems in different diseases. Several established investigators have elucidated the crucial role of proteases in biological processes, including how proteolytic function and regulation can be combined to develop new strategies of therapeutic interventions. Proteases form one of the largest and most diverse families of enzymes known. It is now clear that proteases are involved in every aspect of life functions of an organism. Under physiological conditions, proteases are regulated by their endogenous inhibitors; however, when the activity of proteases is not regulated appropriately, disease processes can result in. So, there is absolute need for a stringent control of proteolytic activities in cells and tissues. Dysregulation of proteases may cause derangement of cellular signalling network resulting in different pathophysiological conditions such as vascular remodelling, atherosclerotic plaque progression, ulcer and rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer disease, cancer metastasis, tumor progression and inflammation. Additionally, many infective microorganisms require proteases for replication or use proteases as virulence factors, which have facilitated the development of protease-targeted therapies for a variety of parasitic diseases.