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Regulator of G-protein signaling 21 (RGS21) belongs to the RGS family and regulatory molecules which act as GTPase activating proteins for G alpha subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins. The RGS21 protein inhibits signal transduction by increasing the GTPase activity of G protein alpha subunits thus driving them into their inactive GDP-bound form.

Peroxisomal Biogenesis Factor 26 (PEX26) which is a part of the peroxin-26 gene family is probably required for protein import into peroxisomes. PEX26 attaches PEX1 and PEX6 to peroxisome membranes to form heteromeric AAA ATPase complexes needed for the import of proteins into peroxisomes. Deficiencies in this gene are the cause of peroxisome biogenesis disorder complementation group 8. PBD is a group of peroxisomal disorders evolving from a failure of protein import into the peroxisomal membrane or matrix.

GDNF promotes the survival and differentiation of minergic neurons in culture, and is able to prevent apoptosis of motor neurons induced by axotomy. The encoded protein is processed to a mature secreted form that exists as a homodimer. The mature form of the protein is a ligand for the product of the RET (rearranged during transfection) protooncogene. In addition to the transcript encoding GDNF, two additional alternative transcripts encoding distinct proteins, referred to as astrocyte-derived trophic factors, have also been described. Mutations in this gene may be associated with Hirschsprung disease.
GDNF enhances survival and morphological differentiation of minergic neurons and increases their high-affinity uptake.

GAP43 is a phosphoprotein of the presynaptic membrane that takes part in synaptic reorganization and neural development. GAP43 is found in large quantities in neuronal growth cones all through the development and axonal regeneration. Additionally, GAP43 is involved in specific regions of the normal adult nervous system and has a vital part in the conservation mechanism of long-term potentiation (LTP).

GDF8 is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family and the TGF-beta superfamily. This group of proteins is characterized by a polybasic proteolytic processing site which is cleaved to produce a mature protein containing seven conserved cysteine residues. The members of this family are regulators of cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues. This gene is thought to encode a secreted protein which negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth.

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.

OTOR proteins is also known as fibrocyte-derived protein (Fdp) and Melanoma inhibitory activity-like (MIAL). Otoraplin is a member of the melanoma-inhibiting activity gene family. Otoraplin is a secreted 16 kDa globular protein that is expressed in the inner ear by periotic mesenchyme and developing and mature fibrocytes. OTOR is highly homologous to MIA/cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein (CD-RAP), which is a cartilage-specific protein that is also expressed in malignant melanoma cells. The 111 amino acid mature human otoraplin contains 1 SH3 domain (46 – 107 amino acids) and a Tyr at position 50 that is reportedly sulfated. Otoraplin takes pasrt in the initiation of periotic mesenchyme chondrogenesis.
Otoraplin is secreted through the Golgi apparatus and plays a role in cartilage development and maintenance. A frequent polymorphism in the translation start codon of OTOR can abolish translation and may be associated with forms of deafness.

Procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer 1, also known as PCOLCE binds to the C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen and enhances procollagen C-proteinase activity. In addition, C-terminal processed part of PCPE (CT-PCPE) has a metalloproteinase inhibitory activity. Among the diseases which are associated with PCOLCE: bone fracture & oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.

PDE6H belongs to the rod/cone cGMP-PDE gamma subunit family, which selectively catalyze the hydrolysis of 3 cyclic phosphate bonds in adenosine and/or guanine 3,5 cyclic monophosphate (cAMP and/or cGMP). This family regulates the cellular levels, localization and duration of action of these second messengers by controlling the rate of their degradation. PDE6H is the inhibitory (or gamma) subunit of the cone-specific cGMP phosphodiesterase, which is atetramer composed of two catalytic chains (alpha and beta), and two inhibitory chains (gamma). PDE6H is particularly expressed in the retina, and is implicated in the transmission and amplification of the visual signal. Mutations in PDE6H have been associated with retinal cone dystrophy type 3A.

TIPIN is a member of the CSM3 family. TIPIN protein is essential for normal advancement of S-phase and vital for cell existence after DNA damage or replication stress. TIPIN is specifically necessary for the ATR - CHEK1 pathway in the replication checkpoint induced by ultraviolet light.

Prostaglandin Reductase 2 (PTGR2) is a member of the medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily. PTGR2 is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of prostaglandins. PTGR2 catalyzes an NADPH-dependent reduction of the conjugated alpha, beta-unsaturated double bond of 15-keto-PGE(2), which is a fundamental step in terminal inactivation of prostaglandins and suppression of PPARgamma-mediated adipocyte differentiation. PTGR2 may also be involved in controlling activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor.

Adiponectin is a protein exclusively secreted from adipose tissue. In the circulation, adiponectin is present as three different oligomeric complexes, including the high molecular weight (HMW), the middle molecular weight (MMW, also called hexamer) and low molecular weigh (LMW, also called trimer) forms. Different oligomeric complex of adiponectin activates different signaling pathways and exerts distinct functions.

Cyclophilin-G is a member of the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) family. PPIases catalyze the cis-trans isomerization of proline imidic peptide bonds in oligopeptides and speeds up the protein folding. PPIG catalyzes the cis-trans isomerization of proline imidic peptide bonds in oligopeptides and is involved in the folding, transport, and assembly of proteins. PPIG is localized to the nuclear speckles, a nuclear compartment rich in splicing factors, and cooperates with the splicing factors SC35 and pinin. Cyclophilin-G also takes part in the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing.

SKP1 is a F-box enzyme which functions as a substrate recognition component of the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex which controls the ubiquitination of proteins involved in cell cycle progression, signal transduction and transcription. SKP1 binds to proteins containing an F-box motif, such as cyclin F, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2, and other regulatory proteins involved in ubiquitin dependent proteolysis. SKP1 takes part in the control of beta-catenin levels and the activity of beta-catenin dependent TCF transcription factors. SKP1 serves as an adapter that links the F-box protein to CUL1 in the SCF complex.

EBAG9 is a type III transmembrane protein that is primarily located in the Golgi. EBAG9 is a tumor-associated antigen that is expressed at high frequency in a variety of cancers, such as advanced breast and prostate cancers. while the EBAG9 acts to inhibit the growth of receptor-binding cells and induced apoptosis of immune cells, cancer cells may evade immune surveillance. Thus immunodetection of EBAG9 expression can be a negative prognostic indicator. EBAG9 promotes progression of bladder cancer. In rheumatoid arthritis, the deficiency of EBAG9 induces CTL infiltration through failure to evade immune attack, therefore leading to apoptosis of the synovial lining cells. EBAG9 is involved in controlling exocytosis processes. EBAG9 expression plays a role in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. EBAG9 plays a specific role in premature stages of breast carcinogenesis.

The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a family of secreted signaling molecules that can induce ectopic bone growth. Many BMPs are part of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) superfamily. BMPs were originally identified by an ability of demineralized bone extract to induce endochondral osteogenesis in vivo in an extraskeletal site. Based on its expression early in embryogenesis, the BMP encoded by this gene has a proposed role in early development. In addition, the fact that this BMP is closely related to BMP5 and BMP7 has lead to speculation of possible bone inductive activity.

PGK1 is an X-linked enzyme that has a major role in the glycolytic pathway. PGK1 is a glycolytic enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of 1,3-diphosphoglycerate to 3-phosphoglycerate, generating an ATP molecule. PGK1 may also act as a cofactor for polymerase alpha. Defects in the PGK1 gene are usually associated with chronic hemolytic anemia, though it can be accompanied by either mental retardation or muscular disease (rhabdomyolysis). Overexpression of PGK1 and its signalling targets are possibly an expression-pathway in diffuse primary gastric carcinomas promoting peritoneal dissemination. It was shown that PGK1 is differentially expressed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex from patients with schizophrenia.

Cytokeratin 17 also known as KRT17 is a type I cytokeratin. KRT17 is found in nail beds, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and other epidermal appendages. Mutations in KRT17 lead to Jackson-Lawler type pachyonychia congenita and steatocystoma multiplex. KRT17 takes part in the formation and maintenance of a variety of skin appendages, particularly in determining shape and orientation of hair. KRT17 also modulates the function of TNF-alpha in the precise context of hair cycling. Moreover, KRT17 regulates protein synthesis and epithelial cell growth all through binding to the adapter protein SFN and by stimulating Akt/mTOR pathway.

Anamorsin, ( CIAPIN) is a member of anamorsin family. CIAPIN mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of liver, pancreas and heart tissue cells and does not show any homology to known apoptosis regulatory molecules of the Bcl-2 or CASP families, or to signal transduction molecules. CIAPIN1 Expression is reliant on growth factor stimulation. It is a ubiquitously expressed protein, and when it is overexpressed, it grants apoptotic resistance.

REG protein was shown to be stimulated during the regeneration of pancreatic islets. Since then, many Reg-related proteins have been identified in humans and other animals. In human, the four REG family genes, i.e., REG 1 alpha, REG 1 beta, REG-related sequence (RS) and HIP/PAP, have so far been isolated. These Reg-related proteins are classified into four subfamilies according to their amino-acid sequences, but they share a similar structure and physiological function. Reg protein is a growth factor for pancreatic beta cells and also suggests that the administration of Reg protein could be used as another therapeutic approach for diabetes mellitus. Human REG cDNA which encodes a 166-amino acid protein with a 22-amino acid signal peptide. The amino acid sequence of human REG protein has 68% homology to that of rat Reg protein.
Reg I was found to be expressed mainly in pancreatic beta and acinoductular cells as well as gastric fundic enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells. Reg I production in ECL cells is stimulated by gastrin, as well as by the proinflammatory cytokine, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-2Beta. In patients with chronic hypergastrinemia, Reg production is stimulated, with the increased proliferation of gastric mucosal cells. Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection also showed increased Reg production in the gastric mucosa, partly via increased plasma gastrin concentration and partly via increased proinflammatory cytokine production. The serum concentration of the reg-protein was significantly higher in patients with various pancreatic diseases than in normal controls, and was also significantly higher in patients with acute pancreatitis or chronic relapsing pancreatitis than in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Furthermore, the serum PSP/reg-protein concentration was also significantly increased in liver cirrhosis, choledocholithiasis, and various cancers of the digestive system.

RGS17 weakens the signaling activity of G-proteins by binding to activated GTP-bound G alpha subunits and performing as a GTPase activating protein (GAP), increasing the rate of conversion of the GTP to GDP. This hydrolysis allows the G alpha subunits to bind G beta/gamma subunit heterodimers, creating inactive G-protein heterotrimers, which terminates the signal. RGS17 has a vital part in ending the signaling by mu opioid receptors and development of tolerance to opioid analgesic drugs.

Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type N (PTPRN) is a catalytically inactive protein and a major target of autoimmune response in diabetes mellitus. The long C-terminal intracellular tail covers the majority of autoantibody epitopes. PTPRN is expressed in neural, neuroendocrine and pancreatic islet cells.