Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin

About PCSK1N / Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin:

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin is a protein that is a type one inhibitor. It also goes by the name proSAAS and in humans, is a protein that is encoded by the PCSK1N gene. The protein is shown largely in cells that have a secretory pathway that is regulated, for example, the endocrine cells or the neuroendocrine neurons. As of recently, the endogenous proteins that bind, for both the PC2 and PC1 (proSAAS) have both been found.

PCSK1N Function
When the protein is intact, along with a carboxy-terminal peptide, the functions of proSAAS act as a way to inhibit the prohormone convertase. This is a prohormone that regulates proteolytic cleavage of the peptide precursors. ProSAAS can also be processed further, into a number of short peptides. Any different variants of how this gene is expressed are linked with obesity.

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Mechanism
Any unprocessed portion of the protein as a whole can work as a neural specific and endocrine specific chaperone, which is down to the protein’s ability to be able to block any aggregation of beta amyloid, as well as alpha synuclein, when in vitro. It can also work to block the oligomer cytotoxicity that can be found in cells. The function of any processed secreted peptides is not yet known.

PCSK1N Structure
ProSAAS is made up of an N-terminal domain as well as a C-terminal domain, both are separated by a cleavage site. Any of the inhibitory regions of the proSAAS protein can be found in the C-terminal domain. ProSAAS has shown to work well as an amyloid anti-aggregant for people with Alzheimer's disease. Peptides derived from proSAAS are involved in a number of important processes with human physiology.