Protein Trafficking

Dr. Iris Lindberg (ilindb@lsuhsc.edu)
— Professor
Biosynthesis of neuropeptides in neuroendocrine tissues and brain; opioid peptides. Biologically active neuropeptides- such as enkephalins- and peptide hormones, such as insulin, are synthesized from larger, inactive precursor molecules through the action of specific processing enzymes known as prohormone convertases (PCs). These enzymes operate within the regulated secretory pathway, present in all neuronal and endocrine tissues, which terminates in the production of vesicles containing a mixture of peptides and other transmitters that are released upon receipt of the appropriate signal. Related convertases, such as furin, are required for the maturation of constitutively secreted proteins. Little is known about the regulation of convertases, a topic important to the control of endocrine/neuroendocrine diseases in which faulty peptide production plays a major role. Since furin is required for the activation of many bacterial and viral precursor proteins, Dr. Lindberg is also interested in exploring the therapeutic use of furin inhibitors in infection. Dr. Lindberg's laboratory is taking three very different approaches to studying peptide hormone biosynthesis and convertase regulation. Click here to learn more about Dr. Lindberg's research.