DPEP1 (EC 3.4.13.11) is a kidney membrane enzyme that
hydrolyzes a variety of dipeptides and is implicated in renal
metabolism of glutathione and its conjugates, e.g., leukotriene D4
(Kozak and Tate, 1982 [PubMed 6122685]). DPEP1 is responsible for
hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring of antibiotics, such as penem
and carbapenem (Campbell et al., 1984 [PubMed 6334084]). Earlier,
beta-lactamase enzymes were thought to occur only in bacteria,
where their probable function was in protecting the organisms
against the action of beta-lactam antibiotics. These antibiotics
exhibit selective toxicity against bacteria but virtual inertness
against many eukaryotic cells (Adachi et al., 1990 [PubMed
2303490]).
