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Prosaposin: A Multifaceted Protein Orchestrating Biological Processes and Diseases
Xin Li1,2,3,4, Liang Guo1,2,3,4
1Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China.
Cells
|August 13, 2025
Summary
Prosaposin (PSAP) is a key protein involved in lipid and glucose metabolism, neuroprotection, and immune responses. Understanding PSAP
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Prosaposin (PSAP) is a multifunctional protein precursor to lysosomal activating protein.
- PSAP is crucial for lipid and glucose metabolism.
- PSAP influences cell signaling, neuroprotection, immunomodulation, and tumorigenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functional and pathological roles of Prosaposin (PSAP).
- To highlight PSAP's significance in Gaucher disease, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
- To emphasize the need for understanding PSAP mechanisms for targeted therapy development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on Prosaposin (PSAP).
Main Results:
- PSAP acts as a neurotrophic factor in neurological disorders.
- PSAP modulates immune responses and macrophage functions.
- PSAP's role in cancer is context-dependent, acting as a potential biomarker.
Conclusions:
- Understanding PSAP's diverse roles is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
- PSAP is implicated in various diseases, including Gaucher disease, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
- Further research into PSAP mechanisms is essential for clinical applications.
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