Bacterial extracellular metalloproteases (BEMPs) are a large group of metal ion-containing proteases. All BEMPs identified so far are endopeptidase or endoprotease. BEMPs can be classified into nine metalloprotease families based on the sequences and structures of enzymatic molecules. Double-valence zinc ion (Zn²⁺ ) is necessarily required by catalytic centers of most BEMPs. The main function of BEMPs in non-pathogenic heterotrophic bacteria is to hydrolyze environmental proteins and polypeptides to provide various amino acids as nutrients. However, BEMPs of pathogenic bacteria, serving as important virulence factors, help the pathogens invade into hosts and spread in hosts. In recent years, the roles and mechanism of BEMPs in bacterial pathogenesis have attracted great attention. Here, we make a brief review about the structures and types as well as the functions and pathogenic roles of BEMPs.

Bacteria; Metalloproteases; Structure; Function; Pathogenic role