Contest Info

Name: Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein (PAPP-A)

Owner: meschruhms

Start Date: 03/12/11

End Date: 08/15/11

Puzzle: Freestyle Design: Variable Length

Description:
(From Wikipedia)
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, pappalysin 1, also known as PAPPA, is a protein used in screening tests for Down syndrome.[1][2]

This gene encodes a secreted metalloproteinase which cleaves insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). It is thought to be involved in local proliferative processes such as wound healing and bone remodeling. Low plasma level of this protein has been suggested as a biochemical marker for pregnancies with aneuploid fetuses (fetuses with an abnormal number of chromosomes).[2] For example, low PAPPA may be seen in prenatal screening for Down syndrome.[1]

At the University of Wisconsin: Steven's Point, the research team i'm affiliated with is further studying the pathways, properties, and implications of PAPP-A. Any help, or just being able to include this protein in the program for demonstration would be much appreciated.