Although there is a significant knowledge aboutmammalian metallocarboxypeptidases, the data available on this family of enzymes is very poor for invertebrate forms. Here we present the biochemical characterization of a metallocarb-oxypeptidase from the insectHelicoverpa armigera(Lepi-doptera:Noctuidae), adevastatingpest spread insubtropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. The zymogen of this carboxypeptidase (PCPAHa) has been expressed at high levels in aPichia pastorissystem and shown to display the characteristics of the enzyme purified from the insect midgut. .
