Pzp-KO Mouse

Pzp, or Pregnancy zone protein, is a member of the proteinase inhibitor I39 (α -2 -macroglobulin) family of proteins [3]. It was originally identified as a protease inhibitor but may also function as a modulator of T -helper cells and/or extracellular chaperone [1]. Pzp is elevated in normal pregnancy and numerous other inflammatory states, and is involved in extracellular proteostasis and immunoregulation [1]. Reduced levels of Pzp are associated with preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity [1]. Pzp is also associated with the development of placenta, remodeling of uterine spiral arteries, and maintenance of proteostasis in pregnancy serum [2].

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the gene encoding Pzp is hypermethylated and expressed at low levels, and Pzp markedly inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of HCC cells [3]. In preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome patients, Pzp expression is significantly downregulated in the syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast of the placenta [4].

In conclusion, Pzp is a multifunctional protein important in normal pregnancy and in preventing diseases such as preeclampsia. Its role in tumor development, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma, also indicates its significance in cancer-related research. The study of Pzp through genetic models could provide insights into the pathogenesis of these diseases, offering potential for new therapeutic strategies.