Progastricsin (activated form: Gastricsin) (PGC)

Progastricsin (PGC) is a protein-coding gene product that encodes an aspartic proteinase of the peptidase family A1, primarily expressed as an inactive zymogen in the stomach and seminal plasma. Upon activation in acidic environments by self-cleavage, it acts as the digestive enzyme gastricsin, hydrolyzing a variety of proteins as part of gastric acid production. PGC’s structure features a bilobal fold with a central active cleft (Asp32, Asp215), closely related to other pepsinogens and diverged early in evolution from its ancestors. Clinically, PGC gene polymorphisms and altered serum levels are implicated in gastric cancer susceptibility, diagnosis, and monitoring, as well as in Helicobacter pylori gastritis. Specific inhibitors such as pepstatin and a unique Ascaris protein have demonstrated potent binding to its catalytic site. The gene resides on chromosome 6 and transcript diversity is present owing to alternative splicing.

Other names

GastricsinPepsinogen CPepsinogen IIPEPCPGIIPepsin CPepsinogen group IIPreprogastricsin

Direct inhibition of the aspartic proteinase active site (Asp32 and Asp215) Inhibitors bind to catalytic site, blocking proteolytic activity.