This gene encodes a protein precursor of the digestive enzyme pepsin, a member of the peptidase A1 family of endopeptidases. The encoded precursor is secreted by gastric chief cells and undergoes autocatalytic cleavage in acidic conditions to form the active enzyme, which functions in the digestion of dietary proteins. This gene is found in a cluster of related genes on chromosome 11, each of which encodes one of multiple pepsinogens. Pepsinogen levels in serum may serve as a biomarker for atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015],catalytic activity:Preferential cleavage: hydrophobic, preferably aromatic, residues in P1 and P1 positions. Cleaves 1-Phe-|-Val-2, 4-Gln-|-His-5, 13-Glu-|-Ala-14, 14-Ala-|-Leu-15, 15-Leu-|-Tyr-16, 16-Tyr-|-Leu-17, 23-Gly-|-Phe-24, 24-Phe-|-Phe-25 and 25-Phe-|-Tyr-26 bonds in the B chain of insulin.,function:Shows particularly broad specificity, although bonds involving phenylalanine and leucine are preferred, many others are also cleaved to some extent.,similarity:Belongs to the peptidase A1 family.,
