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Pregnancy zone protein, a potential research target in multiple diseases
You Wu1, Zhicong Zhao2, Xia Deng1
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, China.
Gene
|October 21, 2024
Summary
Pregnancy zone protein (PZP), an α-macroglobulin, is linked to various diseases including cancer and Alzheimer's. This review explores PZP's diverse roles in disease pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Pregnancy zone protein (PZP) is an immunosuppressive antiprotease within the α-macroglobulin (αM) family.
- Secreted by the liver, PZP levels increase in plasma during pregnancy.
- PZP shares homology with α-2-macroglobulin (A2M) but has distinct functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of PZP in the pathophysiology of various diseases.
- To analyze PZP's involvement in metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Pregnancy Zone Protein (PZP).
- Analysis of PZP interactions with factors like LRP, TGF-β, GRP78, and GdA.
- Examination of PZP's association with specific diseases and cancer types.
Main Results:
- PZP is implicated in glycolipid metabolism disorders, bronchiectasis, Alzheimer's disease (AD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), myocardial infarction (MI), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- PZP is associated with the progression of various cancers, including breast cancer (BC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lung adenocarcinoma (LAC), and colorectal cancer (CRC).
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy zone protein (PZP) plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases.
- Understanding PZP's functions is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for conditions ranging from metabolic disorders to cancer.
