(Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin Type 6 (PCSK6))
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the subtilisin-like proprotein convertase family. The members of this family are proprotein convertases that process latent precursor proteins into their biologically active products. This encoded protein is a calcium-dependent serine endoprotease that can cleave precursor protein at their paired basic amino acid processing sites. Some of its substrates are - transforming growth factor beta related proteins, proalbumin, and von Willebrand factor. This gene is thought to play a role in tumor progression. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Khatib, Siegfried, Chrétien, Metrakos, Seidah: "Proprotein convertases in tumor progression and malignancy: novel targets in cancer therapy." in: The American journal of pathology, Vol. 160, Issue 6, pp. 1921-35, (2002) (PubMed).