Proprotein

Proprotein

A proprotein is an inactive protein that can be turned into an active form by post-translational modification, such as the cleavage of a peptide bond by a protease. Proproteins are part of a larger class of proteins known as precursors or zymogens. The term "proprotein" is often used to refer to the inactive form of enzymes, but it can also refer to other types of proteins.

Function

The primary function of proproteins is to regulate the activity of proteins. By producing a protein in an inactive form, a cell can control when and where the protein becomes active. This is particularly important for enzymes, which need to be tightly regulated to prevent them from breaking down the wrong molecules at the wrong time.

Examples

There are many examples of proproteins in the human body. One of the most well-known is proinsulin, the proprotein form of insulin. Proinsulin is produced in the pancreas and then converted into active insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.

Another example is prothrombin, the proprotein form of thrombin. Thrombin is a key enzyme in the blood clotting process, and its activity needs to be carefully controlled to prevent excessive clotting or bleeding.

See also

• Protease
• Post-translational modification
• Insulin
• Thrombin

References

Proprotein Resources
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