Progranulin: a proteolytically processed protein at the crossroads of inflammation and neurodegeneration.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Cenik, Basar; Chantelle F Sephton; Kutluk Cenik, Bercin; Herz, Joachim; Yu, Gang

Source:

J Biol Chem, Volume 287, Issue 39, p.32298-306 (2012)

Keywords:

Animals, Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration, Homozygote, Humans, Inflammation, Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins, Mutation, Neoplasm Proteins, Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses, Proteolysis

Abstract:

<p>GRN mutations cause frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43-positive inclusions. The mechanism of pathogenesis is haploinsufficiency. Recently, homozygous GRN mutations were detected in two patients with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a lysosomal storage disease. It is unknown whether the pathogenesis of these two conditions is related. Progranulin is cleaved into smaller peptides called granulins. Progranulin and granulins are attributed with roles in cancer, inflammation, and neuronal physiology. Cell surface receptors for progranulin, but not granulin peptides, have been reported. Revealing the cell surface receptors and the intracellular functions of granulins and progranulin is crucial for understanding their contributions to neurodegeneration.</p>