(Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A, Pappalysin 1 (PAPPA))
This gene encodes a secreted metalloproteinase which cleaves insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). It is thought to be involved in local proliferative processes such as wound healing and bone remodeling. Low plasma level of this protein has been suggested as a biochemical marker for pregnancies with aneuploid fetuses. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Pan, Hanada, Zhao, Mao, Ma: "Protein secretion is required for pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A to promote lung cancer growth in vivo." in: PLoS ONE, Vol. 7, Issue 11, pp. e48799, (2012) (PubMed).
Qin, Christiansen, Pettersson: "Point-of-care time-resolved immunofluorometric assay for human pregnancy-associated plasma protein A: use in first-trimester screening for Down syndrome." in: Clinical chemistry, Vol. 48, Issue 3, pp. 473-83, (2002) (PubMed).