Progastricsin

Progastricsin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PGC gene. It is also known as pepsinogen C and is a member of the pepsinogen family. This protein is an enzyme precursor that is secreted by the stomach lining and, when activated in the stomach, breaks down dietary proteins into peptides.

Function

Progastricsin is an aspartic proteinase that is expressed in the stomach mucosa. It is an enzyme precursor that is activated in the acidic environment of the stomach to form pepsin C, which breaks down dietary proteins into peptides. The exact role of progastricsin in the stomach is not fully understood, but it is believed to play a role in the initial stages of protein digestion.

Structure

The PGC gene that encodes progastricsin is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 6 at position 21. The protein itself is composed of 388 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 42 kDa.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the PGC gene have been associated with gastric cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Studies have shown that lower levels of progastricsin expression may be associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer.

File:Progastricsin 3D structure.jpg

3D structure of progastricsin

See also

• Pepsinogen
• Pepsin
• Gastric acid
• Stomach cancer