Genetic alterations of enzymes involved in prohormone processing as common molecular mechanisms of human and rodent obesity

A wide variety of biologically active polypeptides encompassing hormones, neuropeptides, and other molecules such as granins (chromogranin A and B) are initially synthesised as large inactive precursors, packaged into the granules of the regulated secretory pathway, processed to biologically active products, and finally released in a calcium-dependent manner upon stimulation. To release the biologically active products, the precursors must undergo limited proteolysis at pairs of basic residues by specific enzymes, named convertases.