Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A definition

Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A
IGFBP-4 Metalloproteinase; IGFBP-4 Protease; IGFBP-4-Specific Proteinase; Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Dependent IGF Binding Protein-4 Protease; Insulin-Like-Growth Factor Binding Protein-4 Protease; PAPP-alpha; Pregnancy Associated alpha Plasma Protein
A product of the PLACENTA, and DECIDUA, secreted into the maternal circulation during PREGNANCY. It has been identified as an IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-4 protease that proteolyzes IGFBP-4 and thus increases IGF bioavailability. It is found also in human FIBROBLASTS, ovarian FOLLICULAR FLUID, and GRANULOSA CELLS. The enzyme is a heterotetramer of about 500-kDa.