Search results

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is also known as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). It is found at the site of tooth eruption and bone degradation. In the bone, CCL2 is expressed by mature osteoclasts and osteoblasts and is under the control of nuclear factor ?B (NF?B). CCL2 recruits immune cells, such as monocytes, to sites of tissue injury and infection. This chemokine is produced as a protein precursor containing signal peptide of 23 amino acids and a mature peptide of 76 amino acids. It is a monomeric polypeptide, with a molecular weight of approximately 13kDa. As with many other CC chemokines, CCL2 is located on chromosome 17 in humans. The cell surface receptors that bind CCL2 are CCR2 and CCR5.

Interleukin-1 ra is a member of the interleukin 1 cytokine family. This protein inhibits the activities of interleukin 1, alpha (IL1A) and interleukin 1, beta (IL1B), and modulates a variety of interleukin 1 related immune and inflammatory responses. This gene and five other closely related cytokine genes form a gene cluster spanning approximately 400 kb on chromosome 2. A polymorphism of this gene is reported to be associated with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures and gastric cancer. Four alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been reported.

Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Receptor (TSLPR) is a member of the type I cytokine receptor family. TSLPR alongside the interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) activate STAT3, STAT5, and JAK2 pathways, which is regulated processes such as cell proliferation and development of the hematopoietic system. Two transcript variants encoding dissimilar isoforms have been found for this gene. TSLPR is expressed in heart, skeletal muscle, kidney and adult and fetal liver.

SSR4 is a member of the TRAP-delta family. SSR4 is the delta subunit of the translocon-associated protein complex that participates in translocating proteins through the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. SSR4 positioned in the Xq28 region and organized in a compact head-to-head manner with the isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 (NAD+) gamma gene. Both genes are motivated by a CpG-embedded bidirectional promoter.

B lymphoid kinase (BLK) is a 55kDa tyrosine kinase with SH3, SH2, and catalytic domains which contain consensus sequences of the Src protein tyrosine kinase family. BLK is a nonreceptor tyrosine-kinase belonging to the src family of proto-oncogenes which are typically involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. The BLK protein is expressed specifically in the B cell lineage and has a role in the signal-transduction pathway which is restricted to B lymphoid cells. In addition, BLK stimulates ins. synthesis and secretion in response to glucose and increases the expression of several pancreatic beta-cell transcription factors.

Calcium-activated nucleotidase 1 (CANT1) is a member of the apyrase family. The CANT1 protein is calcium-dependent nucleotidase with a preference for UDP. The order of activity with different substrates is as follows: UDP > GDP > UTP > GTP. Moreover, CANT1 has a very low activity towards ADP and an even lower activity towards ATP. As well as it doesn’t hydrolyze AMP and GMP. CANT1’s specific function is yet unknown, nevertheless its substrates are involved in several key signaling functions, including Ca2+ release, through activation of pyrimidinergic signaling. Mutations in the CANT1 gene are linked with Desbuquois dysplasia with hand anomalies.

The protein kinase A holoenzyme is a heterotetramer composed of two types of subunits: Catalytic and Regulatory. The Catalyticsubunit contains the enzyme's active site. It also contains a domain that binds ATP and a domain that binds the regulatory subunit. The Regulatory subunit consists oftwo molecules which bind one another in an anti-parallel orientation to form a homodimer; for type I subunits- this binding is covalent via disulfide bonds. This subunit also has has two domains that bind cyclic AMP, a domain that interacts with a catalytic subunit, and an "auto-inhibitory" domain that serves as a substrate or pseudosubstrate for the catalytic subunit. Regulatory subunits may also have biologic activity distinct from their role in modulating catalytic subunit activity. Regulatory subunits exist in two major forms, RI and RII, with each form having two subtypes designated alpha and beta. Each of the four isotypes of the regulatory subunit is encoded by a different gene. In addition, three isotypes of the catalytic subunit have been identified (alpha, beta and gamma). The different isotypes tend to have different distributions within cells and among tissues. Type I enzymes inhabit cytoplasmic, soluble fractions of the cell, whereas type II enzymes tend to associate with cellular membranes.

RAC3 belongs to the Rac subfamily of the Rho small G proteins. RAC3 is a small (approximately 21kDa) monomeric GTP-binding protein, which is an important component of intracellular signaling pathway, including the control of cell growth, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the activation of protein kinases.

RCAN2 is a member of the RCAN (Regulator of calcineurin) family that controls the activity of Calcineurin using a valine-rich region placed in their carboxyl tail. RCANs race against NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells) to bind to the same docking site in calcineurin, and consequently inhibits or activates calcineurin activity. RCAN2 is a Ca(2+) dependent protein phosphatase which takes part in numerous neuornal functions.

Zinc Ribbon Domain Containing 1 (ZNRD1) is a protein which shows similarity to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rpa12p subunit of RNA polymerase I. ZNRD1 contains two potential zinc-binding motifs and takes part in regulation of cell proliferation. ZNRD1 is involved in cancer and human immunodeficiency virus progression. Alternate splicing of this gene results in two transcript variants encoding the same protein. Additional splice variants have been found, but their full-length sequences have not been determined.

MAP2K1 is a member of the dual specificity protein kinase family, which plays a role as a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase. MAP kinases, are recognized as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), that act as an integration position for multiple biochemical signals. MEK1 is located upstream of MAP kinases and stimulates the enzymatic activity of MAP kinases upon wide variety of extra- and intracellular signals. As a key player of MAP kinase signal transduction pathway, MEK1 is involved in many cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, transcription regulation and development. MAP2K1 catalyzes the concomitant phosphorylation of a threonine and a tyrosine residue in a thr-glu-tyr sequence located in map kinases. MEK1 activates erk1 and erk2 map kinases.

ANKRD1 takes part in endothelial cell activation and performs as a nuclear transcription factor which negatively controls the expression of cardiac genes.

AKR1A1 is part of the aldo/keto reductase superfamily, it catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction from a range of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes to their related alcohols. AKR1A1 corresponds (65% identity) to aldose reductase, an enzyme that takes part in the pathogenesis of some diabetic and galactosemic complications. AKR1A1 is involved in the activation of procarcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon trans-dihydrodiols, and in the metabolism of various xenobiotics and drugs.

The life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii has two phases. The coccidia like takes place only in members of the Felidae family which makes these animals the parasite's primary host. The asexual part of the life cycle can take place in any warm-blooded animal, like other mammals(including felines) and birds. T. gondii constructing daughter scaffolds within the mother cell. In the intermediate hosts (including felines), the parasite invades cells, forming intracellular so-called parasitophorous vacuoles containing bradyzoites, the slowly replicating form of the parasit. Vacuoles form tissue cysts mainly within the muscles and brain. Since they are within cells, the host's immune system does not detect these cysts. Resistance to antibiotics varies, but the cysts are very difficult to eradicate entirely. Within these vacuoles T. gondii propagates by a series of binary fissions until the infected cell eventually bursts and tachyzoites are released. Tachyzoites are the motile, asexually reproducing form of the parasite. Unlike the bradyzoites, the free tachyzoites are usually efficiently cleared by the host's immune response, although some manage to infect cells and form bradyzoites, thus maintaining the infection.

IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor-1) is a major hormonal mediator of statural growth. Under regular circumstances, GH (growth hormone) binds to its receptor in the liver, and other tissues, and stimulates the synthesis/secretion of IGF-1. In target tissues, the Type 1 IGF receptor, that is homologous to the insulin receptor, is activated by IGF-1, leading to intracellular signaling which stimulates multiple processes leading to statural growth. IGF-1 metabolic actions are partly directed at stimulating the uptake of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids so that metabolism supports growing tissues.

Herpesvirus entry mediator or HVEM or tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14 or TNFRSF14, is part of the TNF receptors family that is a receptor located on the cell surface. The cytoplasmic area of this receptor can bind all sorts of TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF) protein. Those proteins can mediate pathways activating an immune response. The MITF is regulating TNFRSF14 gene expression.

TNFR1 belongs to the TNF-receptor superfamily. TNFR1 is a receptor for TNFSF2/TNF-alpha and homotrimeric TNFSF1/lymphotoxin-alpha.
There are 2 types of soluble TNF receptors: sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II, which act to neutralize the biological activities of TNF alpha and TNF beta. The levels of these soluble receptors seem to increase as a result of shedding of the extracellular domains of the membrane bound receptors. TNF-a, TNFR1 and TNFR2 have roles in cellular differentiation. TNFR1 and TNFR2 function in cell type-specific renal injury.
TNFR1 is capable of signaling both cell survival and apoptosis. TNFR1-induced apoptosis requires 2 sequential signaling complexes. TNFR1 is capable of activating NF-kappaB, mediate apoptosis, and function as a regulator of inflammation. Oxidative stress promotes TNFR1 and TNFR2 self-interaction, ligand-independent and enhanced ligand-dependent TNF signaling. TNFR1 contributes to the induction of non-cytocidal TNF effects including anti-viral state and activation of the acid sphingomyelinase. Human TNFR1 has a major region which controls cell surface expression. High levels of soluble TNF receptors are found in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women.
Germline mutations of the extracellular domains of TNFR1 are linked to the autosomal dominant periodic fever syndrome. The impaired receptor clearance is believed to be a mechanism of the disease. Familial hibernian fever (FHF) is caused by defects in TNFRSF1A gene.

Neurotrophic Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2, also referred to NTRK2, is a tyrosine-protein kinase receptor which takes part in the development & the maturation of the central and the peripheral nervous systems through regulation of neuron survival, migration, proliferation, differentiation and synapse formation & plasticity. NTRK2 acts in learning and memory by regulating both short term synaptic function and long-term potentiation. The substrates that are known for the TRK family receptors are: SHC1, PI-3 kinase and PLC-gamma-1.

IL10 is a cytokine produced primarily by monocytes and to a lesser extent by lymphocytes. This cytokine has pleiotropic effects in immunoregulation and inflammation. It down-regulates the expression of Th1 cytokines, MHC class II Ags, and costimulatory molecules on macrophages. It also enhances B cell survival, proliferation, and antibody production. This cytokine can block NF-kappa B activity, and is involved in the regulation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Knockout studies in mice suggested the function of this cytokine as an essential immunoregulator in the intestinal tract.

IL13 is an immunoregulatory cytokine produced primarily by activated Th2 cells. IL-13 is involved in several stages of B-cell maturation and differentiation. It up-regulates CD23 and MHC class II expression, and promotes IgE isotype switching of B cells. This cytokine down-regulates macrophage activity, thereby inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This cytokine is found to be critical to the pathogenesis of allergen-induced asthma but operates through mechanisms independent of IgE and eosinophils. This gene, IL3, IL5, IL4, and CSF2 form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 5q, with this gene particularly close to IL4.

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a 32kDa proinflammatory cytokine that may also regulate gene transcription in producer cells. IL-33 is structurally related to IL-1, which induces helper T cells to produce type 2 cytokines and acts through the receptor IL1RL-1 (IL1 receptor-like-1), which is known also as ST2. Binding of IL-33 to this receptor activates NF-kappa-B and MAP kinases and induces in vitro Th2 cells to produce cytokines. In vivo, IL-33 induces expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and leads to severe pathological changes in mucosal organs and in vitro, it can be divided to N-terminal fragment of 12kDa and C-terminal fragment of 18kDa by cleavage of caspase-1.

IL10 is a cytokine produced primarily by monocytes and to a lesser extent by lymphocytes. This cytokine has pleiotropic effects in immunoregulation and inflammation. It down-regulates the expression of Th1 cytokines, MHC class II Ags, and costimulatory molecules on macrophages. It also enhances B cell survival, proliferation, and antibody production. This cytokine can block NF-kappa B activity, and is involved in the regulation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Knockout studies in mice suggested the function of this cytokine as an essential immunoregulator in the intestinal tract.

IL2-Ra is one of the three constituent subunits of the IL2 receptor.
IL-2Ra is released into the serum after increased cellular expression such as increased activation of B and T cells. Clinical manifestations of IL2-Ra elevation include autoimmune conditions and some leukemias and lymphomas.

TNFR2 belongs to the TNF-receptor superfamily. TNFR2 is receptor with high affinity for TNFSF2/TNF-alpha and approximately 5-fold lower affinity for homotrimeric TNFSF1/lymphotoxin-alpha. TNFR2 mediates the majority of the metabolic effects of TNF-alpha. In addition, knockout studies in mice propose a role for TNFR2 in protecting neurons from apoptosis by stimulating antioxidative pathways. TNFR2 expression might have a significant role in the angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation and metastasis of Invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast.
There are 2 types of soluble TNF receptors: sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II, which act to neutralize the biological activities of TNF alpha and TNF beta. The levels of these soluble receptors seem to increase as a result of shedding of the extracellular domains of the membrane bound receptors. High levels of soluble TNF receptors are found in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women. TNFR2 and TNFR1 form a heterocomplex which mediates the recruitment of 2 anti-apoptotic proteins, c-IAP1 and c-IAP2, which possess E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. IAPs’ function in TNF-receptor signaling is unknown; nevertheless, c-IAP1 is believed to potentiate TNF-induced apoptosis by the ubiquitination and degradation of TNF-receptor-associated factor 2, which mediates anti-apoptotic signals. Oxidative stress promotes TNFR1 and TNFR2 self-interaction, ligand-independent and enhanced ligand-dependent TNF signaling. TNF-a, TNFR1 and TNFR2 have roles in cellular differentiation. TNFR1 and TNFR2 function in cell type-specific renal injury.