Furin is a calcium-dependent serine endoproteinase and belongs to the subtilisin-like proprotein/prohormone convertase (PC) family. It is distributed ubiquitously and has a rhythmic movement between the trans-Golgi network, cell surface and the endosomes.
Furin plays a role in processing several pro-proteins such as, bone morphogenetic protein?4 (BMP-4), insulin receptor and Notch1 receptor. It also processes human immune deficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) glycoprotein gp160, several metalloproteases?and pro-β-nerve growth (pro-β-NGF) factor. Furin is also involved in cleaving transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1).
