PAPPA
Description
The PAPPA (pappalysin 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 9.
PAPPA is a protein encoded by the PAPPA gene in humans. It is a secreted protease that primarily targets insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). PAPPA is used in screening tests for Down syndrome. PAPPA is a metalloproteinase that cleaves IGFBPs, with its proteolytic function activated by collagen binding. It is believed to be involved in local proliferative processes such as wound healing and bone remodeling. Low levels of PAPPA in plasma have been linked to pregnancies with aneuploid fetuses, often seen in prenatal screening for Down syndrome. Additionally, low levels may indicate placental issues, leading to complications like intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, placental abruption, premature birth, or fetal death. PAPPA catalyzes the cleavage of the Met135-Lys bond in IGFBP-4 and the Ser143-Lys bond in IGFBP-5. This enzyme belongs to the peptidase family M43.
PAPPA is also known as ASBABP2, DIPLA1, IGFBP-4ase, PAPA, PAPP-A, PAPPA1.
