title: Proprotein convertases as therapeutic targets.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Limited endoproteolysis of precursor proteins is a common mechanism of production of functional proteins and peptides. In the secretory pathway of eukaryotic cells, this endoproteolysis is principally mediated by a family of calcium-dependent serine proteases, generically known as proprotein convertases. Altered expression of these enzymes in experimental animal models and in humans has been associated with numerous pathologies, including infertility, developmental defects, metabolic dysfunctions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and infectious diseases.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review experimental evidence of the therapeutic potential of proprotein convertase inhibitors or silencers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several potent inhibitors have been developed and successfully tested. Their therapeutic use must await further improvements in potency, selectivity, cellular delivery and tissue targeting.
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Chronic Disease Program, 725 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9, Canada. mchretien@ohri.ca
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chrétien
authors.forename: Nabil G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Seidah
authors.forename: Ajoy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Basak
authors.forename: Majambu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mbikay
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D043484:Proprotein Convertases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D043484:Proprotein Convertases