Proprotein convertases regulate insulin-like growth factor 1-induced membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase in VSMCs via endoproteolytic activation of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor.

The IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and MT1-MMP are synthesized as larger precursor proproteins, which require endoproteolytic activation by the proprotein convertases (PCs) furin/PC5 to gain full biological activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of PCs to IGF-1R and/or MT1-MMP activation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) as well as VSMC proliferation/migration, which are key elements in vascular remodeling. Furin and PC5 mRNAs and proteins were found in VSMCs.

Endoproteolytic activation of alpha(v) integrin by proprotein convertase PC5 is required for vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion to vitronectin and integrin-dependent signaling.

Background: Integrins play an important role for vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration during the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. Integrin alpha(v)-subunit consists of disulphide-bound 125-kDa heavy and 25-kDa light chains, which are generated by endoproteolytic cleavage. This type of activation requires the presence of suitable proprotein convertases (PCs).

Proprotein convertase PC5 regulation by PDGF-BB involves PI3-kinase/p70(s6)-kinase activation in vascular smooth muscle cells.

We have recently demonstrated that furin, PC5, and PC7, members of the subtilisin/kexin-like mammalian proprotein convertases (PCs), are found in rodent aorta. These PCs have been identified to activate several growth factors, adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix compounds by endoproteolytic cleavage. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of PC5 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro and in vivo.