InterPro: IPR011096 Propeptide, peptidase M4/M36

The FTP domain is found in the propeptide region of bacterial and fungal metallopeptidases belonging to MEROPS peptidase families M4 and M36 respectively. In bacteria the FTP domain is N-terminal to this entry, the PepSY domain; in fungi the M36 peptidases do not contain the PepSY domain. Propeptide swapping experiments have shown that the propeptides of the M4 and M36 families are not functionally interchangeable [1].

The function of the propeptide in M36 peptidases has not been described, but it is likely, as in other related peptidases, to have targeting, chaperone activity and to inhibit peptidase activity, so as to prevent premature activation [1, 2].