PCSK4 - Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin Type 4

This gene encodes a member of the subtilisin-like proprotein convertase family, which includes proteases that process protein and peptide precursors trafficking through regulated or constitutive branches of the secretory pathway. The encoded protein undergoes an initial autocatalytic processing event in the ER to generate a heterodimer which exits the ER and sorts to subcellular compartments where a second autocatalytic even takes place and the catalytic activity is acquired. This gene encodes one of the seven basic amino acid-specific members which cleave their substrates at single or paired basic residues. The protease is expressed only in the testis, placenta, and ovary. It plays a critical role in fertilization, fetoplacental growth, and embryonic development and processes multiple prohormones including pro-pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating protein and pro-insulin-like growth factor II. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2014]