CMA1
Description
The CMA1 (chymase 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 14.
Chymase is an enzyme encoded by the CMA1 gene in humans. It is a chymotryptic serine proteinase belonging to the peptidase family S1. Chymase is primarily expressed in mast cells and is believed to play a role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, regulation of submucosal gland secretion, and the generation of vasoactive peptides. In the cardiovascular system, chymase is primarily responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a vasoactive peptide involved in blood pressure regulation. Angiotensin II has been linked to hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure, making chymase a potential target for cardiovascular disease therapies. The CMA1 gene is located on chromosome 14q11.2, within a cluster of genes encoding other proteases.
CMA1 is also known as CYH, MCT1, chymase.
