PCOLCE Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
PCOLCE is a glycoprotein that binds to the C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen. This binding enhances the activity of procollagen C-proteinase, an enzyme responsible for cleaving the C-terminal propeptides from procollagen molecules. The removal of these propeptides is a critical step in the formation of mature collagen fibrils, which are essential for the structural integrity of tissues .
The protein consists of several domains, including a C-terminal domain that has been shown to possess metalloproteinase inhibitory activity. This dual functionality underscores the importance of PCOLCE in both promoting collagen maturation and regulating proteolytic activity in the extracellular matrix .
The PCOLCE gene is located on chromosome 7 in humans. It is a protein-coding gene with several known aliases, including PCPE1 and Procollagen C-Proteinase Enhancer 1 . The gene’s expression is regulated by various factors, and its protein product is involved in multiple biological pathways, including collagen chain trimerization and extracellular matrix organization .
Mutations or dysregulation of the PCOLCE gene have been associated with several disorders. For instance, alterations in PCOLCE expression have been linked to Pierpont Syndrome and nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness . Understanding the role of PCOLCE in these conditions can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating related disorders.
Recombinant PCOLCE is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the human PCOLCE gene into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or mammalian cells. This allows for the large-scale production of the protein, which can be used in various research and therapeutic applications. Recombinant PCOLCE retains the functional properties of the native protein, making it a valuable tool for studying collagen maturation and related processes .
Research on PCOLCE has expanded our understanding of collagen biosynthesis and its regulation. The protein’s role in enhancing procollagen C-proteinase activity makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating collagen production in diseases characterized by abnormal collagen deposition or degradation .
