Search results

SERPINI1 (Neuroserpin) is an inhibitory serpin which is expressed primarily in the central nervous system. Even though the physiological target of SERPINI1 is still vague, amassed evidence suggest that SERPINI1 has an imperative role in controlling proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) during synaptogenesis and the subsequent development of neuronal plasticity. The neuroprotective role of SERPINI1 has been demonstrated in transgenic mice lacking SERPINI1 expression. The deficiency of SERPINI1 in these mice is linked with motor neuron disease characterized by axonal degradation. In humans, defects in SERPINI1, caused by point mutations in the neuroserpin gene, trigger a hereditary disorder known as the familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB).

The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that regulates T and natural killer cell activation and proliferation. This cytokine and interleukine 2 share many biological activities. They are found to bind common hematopoietin receptor subunits, and may compete for the same receptor, and thus negatively regulate each other's activity. The number of CD8+ memory cells is shown to be controlled by a balance between this cytokine and IL2. This cytokine induces the activation of JAK kinases, as well as the phosphorylation and activation of transcription activators STAT3, STAT5, and STAT6. Studies of the mouse counterpart suggested that this cytokine may increase the expression of apoptosis inhibitor BCL2L1/BCL-x(L), possibly through the transcription activation activity of STAT6, and thus prevent apoptosis. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene encoding the same protein have been reported.

RNA binding motif protein 17 (RBM17) is a splice factor which binds to the single stranded 3'AG at the exon/intron border and promotes its utilization in the 2nd catalytic step. The RBM17 protein is involved in the regulation of alternative splicing and the utilization of cryptic splice sites. RBM17 protein also stimulates the utilization of a cryptic splice site created by the beta-110 mutation in the HBB gene. The ensuing frameshift leads to sickle cell anemia.

Uteroglobin (SCGB1A1) which belongs to the Secretoglobin (SCGBs) superfamily, is a multifunctional protein that exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic effects by binding small hydrophobic molecules such as phospholipids and prostaglandins. Uteroglobin is involved in numerous functions including anti-inflammation, inhibition of phospholipase A2 and the sequestering of hydrophobic ligands. SCGB1A1 is expressed by Clara cells, the non-ciliated, non-mucous secretory cells predominant in lung bronchioles, and by other epithelia which communicate with the external environment. On top of sequestering pro-inflammatory mediators and carcinogens, Uteroglobin is implicated in the inhibition of cell migration and invasion, platelet aggregation, and T cell differentiation. SCGB1A1 gene defects are associated with a susceptibility to asthma.

Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K, also known as HNRNPK, is a part of the subfamily of ubiquitously expressed heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). HNRNPK takes part in p53/TP53 reaction to DNA damage, acting at the level of both transcription activation and repression. HNRNPK is located in the nucleoplasm and has 3 repeats of KH domains which bind to RNAs.

Myozenin 1 (MYOZ1) is a member of the myozenin family. MYOZ1 is mostly expressed in the skeletal muscle. Members of the myozenin family act as calcineurin-interacting proteins which helps tether calcineurin to the sarcomere of cardiac and skeletal muscle. The myozenin family plays a significant role in modulation of calcineurin signaling.

Prohibitin 2, also known as PHB2, mediates transcriptional repression by nuclear hormone receptors via recruitment of histone deacetylases by similarity. PHB2 functions as an estrogen receptor (ER)-selective coregulator which potentiates the inhibitory activities of antiestrogens and represses the activity of estrogens. PHB2 which is involved in regulating mitochondrial respiration activity and in aging, competes with NCOA1 for modulation of ER transcriptional activity.

RPS27A is a small protein composed of 76 amino acids. RPS27A is found only in eukaryotic organisms among which shows strong sequence conservation. The RPS27A protein is present in all cell types, thus giving rise to its name.
RPS27A is found either in free form or conjugated to proteins through a covalent bond between the glycine at the C-terminal end and the side chains of lysine.
The connection of multiple copies of RPS27A targets the proteins for degradation by the 26S proteosome. RPS27A ligation is an ATP-dependent multi-step process. RPS27A is activated by the E1 enzyme. The attachment of RPS27A to the target protein is catalyzed by the E2 enzyme acting in concert with E3 which is involved in the recognition of the substrate protein.

Tissue factor is well-known as the main cellular initiator of blood coagulation. The Tissue factor gene encodes coagulation factor III which is a cell surface glycoprotein that enables cells to initiate the blood coagulation cascades, and functions as the high-affinity receptor for the coagulation factor VII. Following vessel injury, the Tissue Factor and Factor VIIa complex activates the coagulation protease cascade, which leads to fibrin deposition and activation of platelets. The ensuing complex presents a catalytic event, which is responsible for initiation of the coagulation protease cascades by specific limited proteolysis. Therefore, Tissue factor has a role in normal hemostasis by initiating the cell-surface assembly and propagation of the coagulation protease cascade. Tissue Factor can also be stimulated by the inflammatory mediators interleukin 1 and TNF, as well as by endotoxin, to appear on monocytes and vascular endothelial cells as a component of cellular immune response.
Tissue factor is the only one in the coagulation pathway for which a congenital deficiency has not been described. Certain levels of Tissue Factor are essential for the maintained viability and growth of endothelium and Tissue Factor-expressing tumor cells. Additionally, abnormal Tissue Factor expression inside the vasculature initiates life threatening thrombosis in various diseases, for example sepsis, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Alternative spliced Tissue Factor expression advances tumor growth, and is linked to increased tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer.

Yersinia enterocolitica is a Gram-negative bacillus-shaped bacterium, which is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Y.Enterocolitica is motile at temperatures between 22-29°C, however becomes non-motile at normal human body temperature. Y. Enterocolitica infection causes the yersiniosis disease, which is an animal-borne disease occurring in humans, as well as in a various groups of animals such as cattle, deer, pigs, and birds. Yersinia enterocolitica is a heterogeneous group of strains, which are conventionally classified by bio-typing into six bio-groups on the basis of phenotypic characteristics, and by serotyping into more than 57 “O” serogroups, on the basis of their O (lipopolysaccharide or LPS) surface antigen. Five of the six biogroups (1B and 2–5) are considered as pathogens. Nevertheless, only a few of these serogroups have been linked with disease in either humans or animals. Strains which belong to serogroups O:3 (biogroup 4), O:5,27 (biogroups 2 and 3), O:8 (biogroup 1B), and O:9 (biogroup 2) are most frequently isolated worldwide from human samples. Still, the main Y. enterocolitica serogroup in many European countries is serogroup O:3 followed by O:9, whereas the serogroup O:8 is mostly detected in the United States.

Midkine (MK) is the product of a retinoic acid responsive gene, MK, and is a member of a family of heparin binding factors. It contains 121 amino acid residues including 10 conserved cysteine residues, all of which appear to be disulphide linked.
Midkine is expressed during embryogenesis, showing an expression pattern that suggests functions in neurogenesis, cell migration, secondary organogenetic induction, and mesoderm-epithelial interaction.
The widespread downregulation of MK in the adult human is reverted in a number of cancers, in which polypeptides are able to act as both transforming growth factors and promoters of angiogenesis.
Midkine (MK), induces chemotaxis of human neutrophils and was found to trigger mobilization of intracellular calcium of these cells.
Midkine induces histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells with a rapid response in a dose dependent manner.
Midkine is also a potent stimulator of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.

SERPINA5 up regulates TAFI activation by inhibiting the protein C activation. SERPINA5 is a significant regulator in the equilibrium between coagulation and fibrinolysis by differentially inhibiting the activation of TAFI and of Protein-C. SERPINA5 belongs to the serpin serine proteinase inhibitor family. SERPINA5 protein inhibits plasminogen activators as well as activated protein C.
SERPINA5 is secreted in plasma & liver. SERPINA5 is involved in cell inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, tumour cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, SERPINA5 controls the invasive potential of renal cell carcinoma by inhibiting urinary plasminogen activator secreted by the cells. SERPINA5 participtes in regulating key serine proteases which are involved in metastatic prostate disease.

Interleukin-18 receptor accessory protein (IL18RAP), belongs to the IL-1 family of cytokines which holds multiple immunoregulatory functions. It has been found that IL18RAP does not mediate IL18-binding, however, IL18RAP is involved in IL18-dependent signal transduction, which leads to NF-kappa-B and JNK activation. IL18R1 as well as IL18RAP polymorphisms have been linked with the following diseases: schizophrenia, HSV1 seropositivity and atopic asthma.

Fractalkine soluble form is chemotactic for t-cells and monocytes, but not for neutrophils. Fractalkine membrane-bound form promotes adhesion of those leukocytes to endothelial cells. Fractalkine regulates leukocyte adhesion and migration processes at the endothelium and binds to CX3CR1. Fractalkine gene is located on human chromosome 16 along with some CC chemokines known as CCL17 and CCL22.

Melanoregulin (MREG) takes part in membrane fusion and in regulating the biogenesis of disk membranes of photoreceptor rods. MREG is expressed in photoreceptor cells as two isoforms as a result of alternative splicing. MREG interacts with Peripherin-2, a photoreceptor specific tetraspanin protein which is required to preserve normal cell structure during the renewal process of membrane fusion. Moreover, MREG plays a part in the incorporation of pigments into hair.

Pellino E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase Family Member 2, also known as PELI2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase which catalyzes the covalent attachment of ubiquitin moieties onto substrate proteins. PELI2 is implicated in the TLR and IL-1 signaling pathways through interaction with the complex which contain IRAK kinases and TRAF6. PELI2 also mediates IL1B-induced IRAK1 'Lys-63'-linked polyubiquitination and possibly 'Lys-48'-linked ubiquitination. PELI2 is significant for LPS- and IL1B-induced MAP3K7-dependent, however not for MAP3K3-dependent, NF-kappa-B activation. Moreover, PELI2 can activate the MAP (mitogen activated protein) kinase pathway directing to activation of ELK1.

Fractalkine soluble form is chemotactic for t-cells and monocytes, but not for neutrophils. Fractalkine membrane-bound form promotes adhesion of those leukocytes to endothelial cells. Fractalkine regulates leukocyte adhesion and migration processes at the endothelium and binds to CX3CR1. Natural Human Fractalkine is produced as a long protein (373-amino acid) with an extended mucin-like stalk and a chemokine domain on top. The mucin-like stalk permits it to bind to the cell surface. Fractalkine gene is located on human chromosome 16 along with some CC chemokines known as CCL17 and CCL22.

PKLR is a pyruvate kinase which catalyzes the transphosphorylation of phohsphoenolpyruvate into pyruvate and ATP. That is the rate-limiting step of glycolysis. PKLR gene encodes the L- and R-type isoenzymes through alternate splicing events controlled by different promoters. L-type isoform can also appear as a tetramer and is upregulated by glucose with implications in maturity-onset diabetes of the young.

TUBG1 belongs to the tubulin superfamily. TUBG1 localizes to the centrosome and binds to microtubules to create the gamma-tubulin ring complex. TUBG1 facilitates the microtubule nucleation and is essential for microtubule formation and progression of the cell cycle.

UPRT is a uracil phosphoribosyltransferase, that catalyzes the alteration of uracil and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-R-diphosphate to uridine monophosphate (UMP). This reaction is a significant part of nucleotide metabolism, specifically the pyrimidine salvage pathway. UPRT is restricted to the nucleus and cytoplasm and is a possible target for rational design of drugs to cure cancer and parasitic infections.

Clusterin also named Apolipoprotein J (APO-J) is a 75-80 kD disulfide-linked heterodimeric protein containing about 30% of N-linked carbohydrate rich in sialic acid but truncated forms targeted to the nucleus have also been identified.
The precursor polypeptide chain is cleaved proteolytically to remove the 22-mer secretory signal peptide and subsequently between residues 227/228 to generate the a and b chains. These are assembled in anti-parallel to give a heterodimeric molecule in which the cysteine-rich centers are linked by five disulfide bridges and are flanked by two predicted coiled-coil a-helices and three predicted amphipathic a-helices.
Across a broad range of species clusterin shows a high degree of sequence homology ranging from 70% to 80%. It is nearly ubiquitously expressed in most mammalian tissues and can be found in plasma, milk, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and semen.
It is able to bind and form complexes with numerous partners such as immunoglobulins, lipids, heparin, bacteria, complement components, paraoxonase, beta amyloid, leptin and others. Clusterin has been ascribed a plethora of functions such as phagocyte recruitment, aggregation induction, complement attack prevention, apoptosis inhibition, membrane remodeling, lipid transport, hormone transport and/or scavenging, matrix metalloproteinase inhibition.
A genuine function of clusterin has not been defined. One tempting hypothesis says that clusterin is an extracellular chaperone protecting cells from stress induced insults caused by degraded and misfolded protein precipitates.
Clusterin is up- or down regulated on the mRNA or protein level in many pathological and clinically relevant situations including cancer, organ regeneration, infection, Alzheimer disease, retinitis pigmentosa, myocardial infarction, renal tubular damage, autoimmunity and others.

Serpin Peptidase Inhibitor, Clade C Member 1 (SERPINC1), which is a part of the serpin superfamily, is a plasma protease inhibitor. SERPINC1 inhibits thrombin and other activated serine proteases of the coagulation system, and regulates the blood coagulation cascade. SERPINC1 also inhibits Thrombin and Factors IXa, Xa and XIa. Deficiencies in SERPINC1 can cause ATIII deficiency, an autosomal dominant disease which might lead to a hereditary thrombophilia.

SERPINI1 (Neuroserpin) is an inhibitory serpin which is expressed primarily in the central nervous system. Even though the physiological target of SERPINI1 is still vague, amassed evidence suggest that SERPINI1 has an imperative role in controlling proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) during synaptogenesis and the subsequent development of neuronal plasticity. The neuroprotective role of SERPINI1 has been demonstrated in transgenic mice lacking SERPINI1 expression. The deficiency of SERPINI1 in these mice is linked with motor neuron disease characterized by axonal degradation. In humans, defects in SERPINI1, caused by point mutations in the neuroserpin gene, trigger a hereditary disorder known as the familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB).

Dual-Specificity Tyrosine-(Y)-Phosphorylation Regulated 1A (DYRK1A) belongs to the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase (DYRK) family. DYRK1A includes a nuclear targeting signal sequence, a leucine zipper motif and a protein kinase domain. DYRK1A catalyzes its autophosphorylation on serine/threonine and tyrosine residues and takes part in a signaling pathway regulating cell proliferation. DYRK1A has a substrate preference for proline at position P+1 and arginine at position P-3.