Has both folate hydrolase and N-acetylated-alpha-linked-acidic dipeptidase (NAALADase) activity. Has a preference for tri-alpha-glutamate peptides. In the intestine, required for the uptake of folate. In the brain, modulates excitatory neurotransmission through the hydrolysis of the neuropeptide, N-aceylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), thereby releasing glutamate.; Also exhibits a dipeptidyl-peptidase IV type activity. In vitro, cleaves Gly-Pro-AMC.
Gene References into Functions
NAAG peptidase inhibition has a role in release of glutamate and dopamine in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens in phencyclidine model of schizophreniaPMID:22570482
role of glutamate carboxypeptidase II inhibition in preventing programmed cell death in neurons exposed to high glucose; this neuroprotection is mediated through the mGluR3 receptor, most likely by increasing the extracellular NAAG concentrationPMID:15030392
Tissues such as prostate and testes exhibit different GCPII expression levels among the species studied (human, rats, swine).PMID:18076021
Show
More
Hide
All
Subcellular Location
Cell membrane; Single-pass type II membrane protein.
Protein Families
Peptidase M28 family, M28B subfamily
Tissue Specificity
Widely expressed throughout brain regions with highest levels in the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, priform cortex, choroid plexus of ventricles, pineal gland, anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and supraoptic nucleus. High levels also found in the cerebra