Sizzled Is Unique among Secreted Frizzled-related Proteins for Its Ability to Specifically Inhibit Bone Morphogenetic Protein-1 (BMP-1)/Tolloid-like Proteinases
BMP-1/tolloid-like proteinases (BTPs) are major enzymes involved in extracellular matrix assembly and activation of bioactive molecules, both growth factors and anti-angiogenic molecules. Although the control of BTP activity by several enhancing molecules is well established, the possibility that regulation also occurs through endogenous inhibitors is still debated. Secreted frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs) have been studied as possible candidates, with highly contradictory results, after the demonstration that sizzled, a sFRP found in Xenopus and zebrafish, was a potent inhibitor of Xenopus and zebrafish tolloid-like proteases. In this study, we demonstrate that mammalian sFRP-1, -2, and …
Procollagen C-proteinase Enhancer Stimulates Procollagen Processing by Binding to the C-propeptide Region Only*
Background: Procollagen C-proteinase enhancer-1 (PCPE-1) is an extracellular glycoprotein that increases activity of certain zinc metalloproteinases involved in tissue development and repair. Results: PCPE-1 binds uniquely to the C-propeptide region of the procollagen molecule. Conclusion: PCPE-1 enhances proteolysis by binding solely to the procollagen C-propeptides. Significance: These data may lead to future applications in the development of antifibrotic therapies.