Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
7
pubmed:dateCreated
2002-4-11
pubmed:abstractText
Following protein biosynthesis, some of the most important cellular mechanisms that generate biological diversity are the enzymatically driven post-translational modifications that ultimately lead to the formation of bioactive molecules. Within the secretory pathway, a multitude of precursor proteins are thus modified resulting in hormones, neuropeptides, growth factors, receptors and even enzymes. These modifications include cleavage at specific sites through endo- or exo-peptidase action, amidation, glycosylation and sulfation. In recent years, an important family of these processing enzymes was discovered and characterized. The so-called proprotein convertases are the products of seven distinct genes and function as endopeptidases that cleave protein precursors C-terminal to basic residue sites. They are structurally related to the bacterial subtilisin family of enzymes and are thus referred to as the subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPCs). Many studies have examined the inhibition of this family of enzymes, through the search of endogenous inhibitors or through the development of peptidyl, non-peptidyl or protein inhibitors. Some potent inhibitors have been discovered or engineered. While it is certain that potent inhibitors could serve as important tools to further elucidate the specific functions of each SPC, it has also been suggested that such inhibitors may be developed into lead compounds that could have important therapeutic applications. This review examines the progress made in regards to endogenous and engineered inhibitors and evidence for possible uses as molecular tools or in therapeutic applications. It is noted that although important inhibitory potencies have often been reported, there is generally insufficient evidence to demonstrate high levels of specificity. It is thus suggested that an important short-term challenge before the field will be a better understanding of the catalytic specificity of each SPC.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
1381-6128
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
8
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
549-62
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2002
pubmed:articleTitle
Inhibitors of the subtilase-like pro-protein convertases (SPCs).
pubmed:affiliation
Departement de Pharmacologie, Faculté de M decine et Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, J1H 5N4.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't