PRSS7

What is PRSS7 protein?

PRSS7 protein, also known as trypsinogen 7 or trypsinogen VII, is a serine protease belonging to the trypsin family. It is primarily produced in the pancreas and secreted into the digestive system, where it plays a role in the breakdown and digestion of proteins. PRSS7 is initially synthesized as an inactive precursor known as trypsinogen, which is then activated through enzymatic cleavage to form the active trypsin enzyme. Trypsin is essential for the digestion of dietary proteins and also contributes to various physiological processes, such as blood coagulation and inflammation.

What is the function of PRSS7 protein?

The main function of PRSS7 is to aid in the digestion of proteins by catalyzing their breakdown into smaller peptides. It does this by cleaving peptide bonds within protein molecules. Additionally, PRSS7 has been implicated in certain pathological conditions, such as pancreatic inflammation and pancreatic cancer, although its precise role in these diseases is still being studied.

PRSS7 related signaling pathway

The signaling pathways associated with PRSS7 activity are not well-documented. However, it is known that the activation of PRSS7 involves proteolytic cleavage and activation of trypsinogen into trypsin by other proteases or the acidic environment of the gastrointestinal tract. Once activated, trypsin can further activate other proteases and initiate downstream signaling cascades involved in protein digestion and related biological processes.

PRSS7 Related Diseases

•  Pancreatitis: Mutations or abnormal regulation of PRSS7 can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. This can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems.
•  Pancreatic cancer: PRSS7 has been implicated in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Changes in PRSS7 expression or activity may contribute to the uncontrolled growth and spread of cancer cells in the pancreas.
•  Cystic fibrosis: In individuals with cystic fibrosis, the PRSS7 protein may be abnormally processed and regulated, leading to the obstruction of the pancreatic ducts and impaired pancreatic function.
•  Bacterial infections: PRSS7 plays a role in innate immune defense by directly killing bacteria. Dysregulation of PRSS7 expression or activity may contribute to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections.
•  Pancreatitis: Mutations in the PRSS7 gene have been linked to hereditary pancreatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. These mutations can lead to the activation of PRSS7 prematurely, causing tissue damage and pancreatitis.
•  Pancreatic cancer: Overexpression of PRSS7 has been observed in pancreatic cancer cells. This suggests that PRSS7 may contribute to the progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer.
•  Liver fibrosis: Studies have shown that PRSS7 expression is increased in activated hepatic stellate cells, which play a key role in the development of liver fibrosis. PRSS7 may promote liver fibrosis by activating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and other profibrotic pathways.

•  Pancreatitis: Mutations in the PRSS7 gene have been linked to hereditary pancreatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. These mutations can lead to the activation of PRSS7 prematurely, causing tissue damage and pancreatitis.
•  Pancreatic cancer: Overexpression of PRSS7 has been observed in pancreatic cancer cells. This suggests that PRSS7 may contribute to the progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer.
•  Liver fibrosis: Studies have shown that PRSS7 expression is increased in activated hepatic stellate cells, which play a key role in the development of liver fibrosis. PRSS7 may promote liver fibrosis by activating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and other profibrotic pathways.