Progranulins

**Definition:** Cysteine-rich, precursor glycoproteins encoded by the granulin gene (GRN). They contain granulin-repeats separated by linker sequences that are cleaved by a variety of proteases to release the individual GRANULIN PEPTIDES. The mammalian progranulin is composed of a half-granulin repeat followed by 7 granulin repeats. The mammalian GRANULINS are named PARAGRANULIN and granulin 1-7 for their order in the progranulin propeptide. Progranulin has growth-factor like effects and is expressed over a broad range of tissues. Under-expression of progranulin is linked to neurodegenerative diseases including FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA and NEURONAL CEROID LIPOFUSCINOSIS, while over-expression is linked to metabolic diseases including OBESITY, and INSULIN RESISTANCE.

**Tree numbers:** - D06.472.699.682 - D12.644.276.917 - D12.776.467.917 - D12.776.811.703 - D23.529.917

**Synonyms:** - Acrogranin - Proepithelin - Progranulin - Granulin Precursor Protein - PC Cell-Derived Growth Factor - Granulin Precursor