title: [Proprotein convertases - family of serine proteases with a broad spectrum of physiological functions].
abstract: A large group of secretory proteins involved in proper functioning of living organisms, is synthesized as inactive precursor molecules. Their biologically active forms are obtained as a result of numerous post-translational modifications. Some of these processes occur irreversibly, permanently changing the initial compound structure. An example of such modifications is catalytic treatment of proteins performed by proteolytic enzymes. Among five separate classes of these enzymes, the most numerous are serine proteases. Mammalian proprotein convertases (PCs), which include: furin, PC1/3, PC2, PACE4, PC4, PC5/6, PC7, PCSK9, SKI-1, represent serine endoproteases family. PCs play a key role in the activation of a number of precursor proteins causing formation of biologically active forms of enzymes, hormones, signaling molecules, transcription and growth factors. This article summarizes current state of knowledge on biosynthesis, structure and substrate specificity of PCs, identifies the relationship between location and intracellular activity of these enzymes, and their physiological functions in mammals.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biopolymers Structural Research, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 63 Wita Stwosza St., 80-308 Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Izabela
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Małuch
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Peptide Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 63 Wita Stwosza St., 80-308 Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Aleksandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Walewska
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biopolymers Structural Research, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 63 Wita Stwosza St., 80-308 Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Emilia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sikorska
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Peptide Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 63 Wita Stwosza St., 80-308 Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prahl
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D043484:Proprotein Convertases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013379:Substrate Specificity
chemical_list: D043484:Proprotein Convertases
keywords: Key words: serine proteases; furin; proprotein convertases