Furin (弗林蛋白酶)

Furin belongs to the proprotein convertase (PC) family. Furin is able to recognize specific amino acid sequences and cleave the protein precursors at these sequences, thereby converting inactive precursor proteins into mature proteins with functional activity. Furin is involved in the processing and maturation of intracellular proteins, such as coagulation factor Ⅷ and angiotensinogen. By cleaving cell surface receptors and signaling molecules, Furin participates in cell signaling transduction and regulates various vital activities of cells, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In addition, during viral infections, Furin can cleave the glycoproteins on the surface of the virus, promoting the fusion of the virus with the host cell membrane and facilitating the entry of the virus into the host cell. Furin plays an important role in a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases^[1][2].