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The expanding superfamily of serpins: searching for the real targets.

The serpin superfamily of proteins has expanded rapidly in recent years as represented by the ovalbumin-type serpin subfamily. PCR methods have been used to identify new ovalbumin-type serpins, including leupin or SCCA-2, a close relative of SCCA. Although in vitro inhibition of proteases by these serpins has been shown, and we have evidence that leupin can protect cells against apoptosis, the exact role of these serpins is not well understood. Finding relevant targets is a major challenge in serpin biology, and we have investigated the yeast-2-hybrid trap for identification of new interactions. Preliminary studies suggest that serpins are at the upper limit for bait size, but this technique may be useful for identifying interactions where full-length serpin protein is not required.