Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A)

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a secreted metalloproteinase (enzyme) encoded by the PAPPA gene and belongs to the peptidase family M43[1][4]. Its primary function is to regulate local insulin-like growth factor (IGF) activity by cleaving specific insulin-like growth factor binding proteins, predominantly IGFBP-4, which increases the amount of bioavailable IGF to activate IGF receptors in the surrounding tissues[2][3]. PAPP-A plays important roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, tissue growth, wound healing, and bone remodeling[1][2]. In pregnancy, low maternal serum levels of PAPP-A are used as clinical biomarkers to screen for increased risk of Down syndrome and other adverse obstetric outcomes, such as intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia[1][2]. PAPP-A is investigated in cancer and cardiovascular biology for its involvement in IGF-dependent cell biology but is not yet an established therapeutic target[2][3].

Other names

Pappalysin-1insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 proteasePAPPA