Q99538

Legumain also known as LGMN, AEP or PRSC1, is a 433 amino acid protein that localizes to the lysosome and belongs to the peptidase C13 family. Expressed ubiquitously with particularly high expression in placenta, heart and kidney, Legumain functions as a cysteine protease that specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of asparaginyl and aspartyl bonds. Additionally, Legumain is thought to be involved in the processing of bacterial proteins for MHC class II antigen presentation in the lysosomal/endosomal system. Legumain exists as both a precursor and a fully mature, active enzyme that is produced in dendritic cells. Overexpression of Legumain may be associated with the formation of solid tumors, suggesting a role for Legumain in carcinogenesis. Multiple isoforms of Legumain exist due to alternative splicing events.