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a-Synuclein (amino acids 1-140), an acidic neuronal protein of 140 amino acids, is extremely heat-resistant and is natively unfolded with an extended structure primarily composed of random coils. a-synuclein has been suggested to be implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders, and more recently, to be an important regulatory component of vesicular transport in neuronal cells. Moreover, recent studies have shown that a-synuclein has chaperone activity and that this activity is lost upon removing its C-terminal acidic tail (amino acids 96-140).

VEGF-C, also known as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Related Protein (VRP), is a recently discovered VEGF growth factor family member that is most closely related to VEGF-D. The rat VEGFC cDNA encodes a pre-pro-protein of 416 amino acids residues.
It is almost identical to the mouse VEGF-C protein. Similar to VEGF-D, VEGF-C has a VEGF homology domain spanning the middle third of the precursor molecule and long N- and C-terminal extensions. In adults, VEGF-C is highly expressed in heart, placenta, ovary and small intestine. Recombinant rat VEGF-C, lacking the N- and C-terminal extensions and containing only the middle VEGF homology domain, forms primarily non-covalently linked dimers. This protein is a ligand for both VEGFR-2/KDR and VEGFR-3/FLT -4. Since VEGFR-3 is strongly expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells, it has been postulated that VEGF-C is involved in the regulation of the growth and/or differentiation of lymphatic endothelium. Although recombinant rat VEGF-C is also a mitogen for vascular endothelial cells, it is much less potent than VEGF-A.

CFL2 protein is a member of the actin-binding proteins ADF family which contains 1 ADF-H domain. Cofilin is a broadly distributed intracellular actin-modulating protein which binds and depolymerizes filamentous F-actin and inhibits the polymerization of monomeric G-actin in a pH-dependent manner. Defects in the CFL2 gene are the cause of nemaline myopathy type 7 (NEM7).

CD52 is a small GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) anchored glycoprotein which is tied to the cell surface with a GPI linkage. CD52 induces immune suppression by complement-meditated cell lysis. Moreover, CD52 is expressed on lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes-derived dendritic cells, monocytes, as well as neutrophils, however not on the stem cells from which these lymphocytes were derived. Furthermore, CD52 is a significant goal for therapeutic interventions intended for leukocyte depletion in post-transplant immunosuppression & hematological malignancies.

Ring Finger Protein 114 (RNF114) is expressed in various tissues, including skin, CD4 lymphocytes and dendritic cells. RNF114, which contains 1 RING-type zinc finger, takes part in spermatogenesis.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) comprise a family of at least eighteen structurally related proteins that are involved in a multitude of physiological and pathological cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, angiogenesis, wound healing and tumorgenesis. The biological activities of the FGFs are mediated by a family of type I transmembrane tyrosine kinases which undergo dimerization and autophosphorylation after ligand binding. Four distinct genes encoding closely related FGF receptors, FGF R1 - 4, are known. All four genes for FGF Rs encode proteins with an N-terminal signal peptide, three immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, an acid-box region containing a run of acidic residues between the IgI and IgII domains, a transmembrane domain and the split tyrosine-kinase domain. Multiple forms of FGF R1 - 3 are generated by alternative splicing of the mRNAs. A frequent splicing event involving FGF R1 and 2 results in receptors containing all three Ig domains, referred to as the a isoform, or only IgII and IgIII, referred to as the b isoform. Only the a isoform has been identified for FGF R3 and FGF R4. Additional splicing events for FGF R1 - 3, involving the C-terminal half of the IgIII domain encoded by two mutually exclusive alternative exons, generate FGF receptors with alternative IgIII domains (IIIb and IIIc). A IIIa isoform which is a secreted FGF binding protein containing only the N-terminal half of the IgIII domain plus some intron sequences has also been reported for FGF R1. Mutations in FGF R1 - 3 have been found in patients with birth defects involving craniosynostosis. The complex patterns of expression of these receptors as well as the specificity of their interactions with the various FGF ligand family members are under investigation.

Cathepsin F (CTSF) is a member of the peptidase C1 family. Cathepsins are papain family cysteine proteinases which are a main component of the lysosomal proteolytic system. The CTSF gene is ubiquitously expressed, and it maps to chromosome 11q13, close to the gene encoding cathepsin W. CTSF plays a role in normal protein catabolism. CTSF is involved in some degradative processes occurring in tumor progression since it is highly expressed in some cancer cell lines.

Cell Cycle Exit And Neuronal Differentiation 1, also known as CEND1, is a neuron-specific protein. CEND1 take part in cell cycle control and neuronal differentiation mechanisms during neonatal SVZ neurogenesis and turn out to be crucial for the transition from neuroblasts to mature neurons when reaching high levels. The similar protein in pig enhances neuroblastoma cell differentiation in vitro and involved in neuronal differentiation in vivo. Multiple pseudogenes have been reported for this gene. The disease neuroblastoma has been associated with CEND1.

CKS2 protein binds to the catalytic subunit of the cyclin dependent kinases and is necessary for their biological function. The CKS2 mRNA is expressed in various patterns through the cell cycle in HeLa cells, which shows spcific role for the encoded protein. CKS2 (CDC28) Protein kinase 2 binds to the catalytic subunit of cyclin-dependent kinases and has thus in involved in cell cycle regulation. CKS2 is required for the first metaphase/anaphase transition during the meiosis. An increase in expression of CKS2 protects the cells from apoptosis. CKS2 is essential during early embryogenesis and cell cycle progression in somatic cells.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) plays a significant part in the control of the eukaryotic cell cycle through modulating the centrosome cycle in addition to mitotic onset; CDK1 promotes G2-M transition and regulates G1 progress and G1-S transition using association with multiple interphase cyclins. CDK1 is essential in higher cells for the entry into S-phase and mitosis.

CBX5 belongs to the heterochromatin protein family. CBX5 is enriched in the heterochromatin and linked with centromeres. CBX5 takes part in the creation of functional kinetochore by interaction with important kinetochore proteins. CBX5 has a pseudogene situated on chromosome 3. Additionaly, The CBX5 proteins reconnect with chromatin at the end of mitosis, as Histone H3 is dephosphorylated.

Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factors are cytokines that act in hematopoiesis by controlling the production, differentiation, and function of 2 related white cell populations of the blood, the granulocytes and the monocytes-macrophages. MCSF induces cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. MCSF plays a role in immunological defenses, bone metabolism, lipoproteins clearance, fertility and pregnancy.

CD22, also known as Sialic Acid-Binding Ig-Like Lectin 2, is part of the immunoglobulin(Ig)superfamily. CD22 mediates B-cell to B-cell interactions and is implicated in the localization of B-cells in lymphoid tissues. CD22 acts as positive regulator via interaction with the Src family tyrosine kinases, in addition CD22 preform as an inhibitory receptor by recruiting cytoplasmic phosphatases.

RANKL binds to tnfrsf11b/opg and to tnfrsf11a/rank. Osteoclast differentiation and activation factor. Augments the ability of dendritic cells to stimulate naive t-cell proliferation. May be an important regulator of interactions between t-cells and dendritic cells and may play a role in the regulation of the t-cell-dependent immune response. sRANKL may also play an important role in enhanced bone-resorption in humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family which is part of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. The superfamily includes large families of growth and differentiation factors. Bone morphogenetic proteins were originally identified by an ability of demineralized bone extract to induce endochondral osteogenesis in vivo in an extraskeletal site. This particular family member plays an important role in the onset of endochondral bone formation in humans, and a reduction in expression has been associated with a variety of bone diseases, including the heritable disorder Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva. Alternative splicing in the 5' untranslated region of this gene has been described and three variants are described, all encoding an identical protein.

Calnexin (CANX) belongs to the calnexin family of molecular chaperones. Calnexin is a calcium-binding, ER-associated protein that interacts briefly with newly synthesized N-linked glycoproteins, facilitating protein folding and assembly. Calnexin may also have a key role in the quality control of protein folding by retaining incorrectly folded protein subunits within the ER for degradation. Calnexin grants long-term protection of wild-type Shaker protein from ER-associated degradation. Polypeptide substrate recognition by Calnexin requires specific conformations of the Calnexin protein. Calnexin dwindles with aging and might contribute to a cytoprotection in an array of human age-related diseases.

CD68 encodes a 110-kD transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed by human monocytes and tissue macrophages. It is a member of the lysosomal/endosomal-associated membrane glycoprotein (LAMP) family. The protein primarily localizes to lysosomes and endosomes with a smaller fraction circulating to the cell surface. It is a type I integral membrane protein with a heavily glycosylated extracellular domain and binds to tissue- and organ-specific lectins or selectins. The protein is also a member of the scavenger receptor family. Scavenger receptors typically function to clear cellular debris, promote phagocytosis, and mediate the recruitment and activation of macrophages. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcripts encoding different isoforms.

CENPQ is a Component of a CENPH-CENPI-associated centromeric complex which targets CENPA to centromeres and is necessary for proper kinetochore function and mitotic progression. CENPQ takes part in incorporation of newly synthesized CENPA into centromeres using its interaction with the CENPA-NAC complex.

DCXR catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of numerous pentoses, tetroses, trioses, alpha-dicarbonyl molecules and L-xylulose. DCXR takes part in the uronate cycle of glucose metabolism. DCXR participates in the water absorption and cellular osmoregulation in the proximal renal tubules by producing xylitol, an osmolyte, thus preventing osmolytic stress from occurring in the renal tubules.

Growth Differentiation Factor-7 (GDF-7) belongs to the BMP family of TGF-b superfamily proteins. GDF7 elicits its bioactivity via a heterodimeric receptor complex comprised of a type 1 (BMPR-IB) and a type II (BMPR-II or Activin RII) serine/threonine kinase receptor. GDF7 signaling results in the phosphorylation and activation of Smad proteins. GDF-7 is also involved in tendon and ligament formation and repair. In addition, GDF7 regulates bone formation, mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, neuronal differentiation, and axon guidance.

PPIF is a part of the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) family. PPIF accelerates the folding of proteins. It catalyzes the cis-trans isomerization of proline imidic peptide bonds in oligopeptides. PPIF is key component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Activation of this pore is thought to be involved in the induction of apoptotic and necrotic cell death.

CDC37, His protein is extremely parallel to Cdc 37, a cell division cycle control protein of Sacchromyces cerevisiae. CDC37 is a molecular chaperone with a detailed role in cell signal transduction. CDC37 forms a complex with Hsp90 and several protein kinases including CDK4, CDK6, SRC, RAF-1, MOK, and eIF2 alpha kinases CDC37 has a vital part in directing Hsp90 to its target kinases.

Cell division protein kinase 5 (CDK5) belongs to the cyclin-dependent kinase family. CDK5 is essential for appropriate development of the brain and in order to be activated CDK5 must link to CDK5R1 or CDK5R2. CDK5 doesn't need phosphorylation on the T loop so that binding with the activator is enough to activate the kinase. CDK5 is engaged in the processes of neuronal maturation and migration, phosphorylating the central intracellular adaptor of the reeling signaling chain.

TNFRSF13B (TACI) is a transmembrane receptor protein found predominantly on the surface of B cells (a significant part of the immune system). TACI was at first discovered owing to its ability to interact with calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand (CAML). Later on, it was found that TACI plays a key role in humoral immunity by interacting with two members of the TNF family. Also, TACI controls T cell-independent B cell antibody responses, isotype switching, and B cell homeostasis.