Prosaposin–progranulin complex

The prosaposin–progranulin complex is a lysosomal trafficking and regulatory interaction between prosaposin (PSAP), the precursor of sphingolipid hydrolase activators (saposins), and progranulin (PGRN), a neuroprotective glycoprotein. This complex is essential for the efficient targeting of progranulin to lysosomes in neurons and other cells, where it supports lysosomal enzyme function and cellular homeostasis. Disruption of either protein, or their interaction, is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease[3][5][8][1]. The complex is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic target, with modulators such as AZP2006 in development to stabilize the interaction and enhance progranulin availability[6]. Loss or mutation of either partner impairs lysosomal function and may contribute to accumulation of dysfunctional proteins and lipids in the cell, exacerbating disease pathology[1][3][5][7][6].

Other names

Prosaposin–progranulin interactionPSAP–PGRN complex

Stabilization of prosaposin–progranulin interaction augments progranulin half-life and trafficking to lysosomes, potentially improving lysosomal function