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Guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(z) subunit alpha (GNAZ) belongs to the G protein subfamily which mediates signal transduction in pertussis toxin-insensitive systems. GNAZ has a role in maintaining the ionic balance of perilymphatic and endolymphatic cochlear fluids. G proteins are involved as modulators or transducers in a variety of transmembrane signaling systems.

Ras-related protein Ral-A (RALA) is a member of the small GTPase superfamily, Ras family of proteins. RALA mediates a distinct downstream signaling pathway from Ras which facilitates cellular transformation. Furthermore, RALA is thought to be involved in various signaling cascades, including regulation of the cytoskeleton, vesicle trafficking, and endocytosis.

Zinc Finger Protein 689 (ZNF689) is a member of the krueppel C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family. The ZNF689 protein contains 12 C2H2-type zinc fingers and 1 KRAB domain. ZNF689 may be involved in transcriptional regulation.

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 heat-shock response is elicited by exposure of cells to thermal and chemical stress and through the activation of HSFs (heat shock factors) results in the elevated expression of heat-shock induced genes. Heat shock factor binding protein-1 (HSBP1), is a 76-amino-acid protein that binds to heat shock factor 1(HSF1), which is a transcription factor involved in the HS response. During HS response, HSF1 undergoes conformational transition from an inert non-DNA-binding monomer to active functional trimers. HSBP1 is nuclear-localized and interacts with the active trimeric state of HSF1 to negatively regulate HSF1 DNA-binding activity. Overexpression of HSBP1 in mammalian cells represses the transactivation activity of HSF1. When overexpressed in C.elegans HSBP1 has severe effects on survival of the animals after thermal and chemical stress consistent with a role of HSBP1 as a negative regulator of heat shock response.

Simian immunodeficiency virus, SIV, is a retrovirusthat is found in strains, having the HIV-1and HIV-2specific strains that infect humans. SIV strains may cause an AIDS-like immune deficiency known as SAIDS (simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) if they cross species boundaries. HIV-2 is more similar to SIV strains than to HIV-1, suggesting for the first time the simian origin of HIV. HIV-2 is derived from the SIV strain found in sooty mangabeys whereas HIV-1, the predominant virus found in humans, is derived from SIV strains infecting chimpanzees.

Influenzavirus B is a genus in the virusfamily Orthomyxoviridae. The only species in this genus is called "Influenza B virus". Influenza B virus only infects humansand seals. This limited host range is apparently in contrast with those caused by the similar Influenza virus Aas both mutate by both genetic drift and reassortment. Influenza-B virus evolves slower than A viruses and faster than C viruses. Influenza-B virus mutates at a rate 2-3 times lower than type A. However, influenza B mutates enough that lasting immunity is not possible. The Influenza B virus capsidis enveloped while its virionconsists of a matrix protein + envelope + nucleoprotein complex + nucleocapsid, and a polymerasecomplex. Influenza B is sometimes spherical and sometimes filamentous. Its 500 or so surface projections are made of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
The Influenza B virus is 14648 nucleotideslong and consists of eight segments of linear negative-sense, single-stranded RNA. The multipartite genome is encapsidated, each segment in a separate nucleocapsid, and the nucleocapsids are surrounded by one envelope.

Trichomonas vaginalis, an anaerobic, flagellated protozoan parasite, is most dominant protozoan causing sexual transmitted disease. T. vaginalis induced vaginal tract infection occurs as multiple steps involving interactions between host macromolecules and protozoan virulent factor. Adhension protein P65 of T. vaginalis has a vital part in assisting the penetration into vaginal tract surface.

HCV is a small 50nm, enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNAvirus in the family Flaviviridae. HCV has a high rate of replication with approximately one trillion particles produced each day in an infected individual. Due to lack of proofreading by the HCV RNA polymerase, the HCV has an exceptionally high mutation rate, a factor that may help it elude the host's immune response. Hepatitis C virus is classified into six genotypes(1-6) with several subtypes within each genotype. The preponderance and distribution of HCV genotypes varies globally. Genotype is clinically important in determining potential response to interferon-based therapy and the required duration of such therapy. Genotypes 1 and 4 are less responsive to interferon-based treatment than are the other genotypes (2, 3, 5 and 6). HCV NS3 (genotype 1b) contains 2 domains which are serine protinase and helicase. C33c is a fragment of NS3 containing the most important epitopes recognized by HCV antibody.

The Fas receptor (CD95) mediates apoptotic signaling by Fas-ligand expressed on the surface of other cells. The Fas-FasL interaction plays an important role in the immune system and lack of this system leads to autoimmunity, indicating that Fas-mediated apoptosis removes self-reactive lymphocytes. Fas signaling is also involved in immune surveillance to remove transformed cells and virus infected cells. Binding of FAS to oligimerized FasL on another cell activates apoptotic signaling through a cytoplasmic domain termed the death domain that interacts with signaling adaptors including FAF, FADD and DAX to activate the caspase proteolytic cascade. Caspase-8 and caspase-10 are first activated, to then cleave and activate downstream caspases, and a variety of cellular substrates that lead to cell death. Caspases cleave nuclear lamins, causing the nucleus to break down and lose its normal structure and another caspase substrate is DFF, inducing cleavage and degradation of the genome. Other caspase substrates are involved in cytoskeletal structure, cell cycle regulation and signaling pathways. Activation of JNK kinase, activation of Jun, and production of ceramide may also play roles in Fas-mediated apoptosis. Activation of fas-mediated apoptosis is opposed by I-FLICE and FAP. Viruses and tumors may escape immune surveillance in part through suppression of fas-mediated apoptosis using similar mechanisms.

HBsAg is the surface antigen of the Hepatitis-B-Virus (HBV). The capsid of a virus has different surface proteins from the rest of the virus. The antigen is a protein that binds specifically on one of these surface proteins. It is commonly referred to as the Australian Antigen. HBsAg is an important parameter to establish a diagnosis of hepatitis B disease in the clinic and to monitor antiviral treatment.

Influenza-B virus is a genus in the virus family Orthomyxoviridae. The only species in this genus is called "Influenza B virus". Influenza B virus only infects humans and seals. This limited host range is apparently in contrast with those caused by the similar Influenza virus A as both mutate by both genetic drift and reassortment. Influenza-B virus evolves slower than A viruses and faster than C viruses. Influenza-B virus mutates at a rate 2-3 times lower than type A. However, influenza B mutates enough that lasting immunity is not possible. The Influenza B virus capsid is enveloped while its virion consists of a matrix protein + envelope + nucleoprotein complex + nucleocapsid, and a polymerase complex. Influenza B is sometimes spherical and sometimes filamentous. Its 500 or so surface projections are made of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
The Influenza B virus is 14648 nucleotides long and consists of eight segments of linear negative-sense, single-stranded RNA. The multipartite genome is encapsidated, each segment in a separate nucleocapsid, and the nucleocapsids are surrounded by one envelope.

SARS Coronavirus is an enveloped virus containing three outer structural proteins, namely the membrane (M), envelope (E), and spike (S) proteins. Spike (S)-glycoprotein of the virus interacts with a cellular receptor and mediates membrane fusion to allow viral entry into susceptible target cells. Accordingly, S-protein plays an important role in virus infection cycle and is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies.
It has recently been shown that SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) is caused by a human coronavirus. Human coronaviruses are the major cause of upper respiratory tract illness, such as the common cold, in humans. Coronaviruses are positive-stranded RNA viruses, featuring the largest viral RNA genomes known to date (27-31 kb). The first step in coronavirus infection is binding of the viral spike protein, a 139-kDa protein, to certain receptors on host cells. The spike protein is the main surface antigen of the coronavirus. The glycosilated spike protein (as well as the nucleocapsid protein) can be detected in infected cell culture supernatants with antisera from SARS patients.

Histamine N-Methyltransferase or HNMT, is located in the cell cytosol. Sadenosyl-L-methionine acts as a methyl donor for HNMT which inactivates histamine. By inactivation of histamine, it affects the immune system’s response. HNMT acts on histamine in body tissues such as kidney, central nervous system and bronchus. The protein has a crucial part in the airway response to histamine & histamine degradation process and regulation.

IFN-gamma produced by lymphocytes activated by specific antigens or mitogens.
IFN-gamma, in addition to having antiviral activity, has important immunoregulatory functions, it is a potent activator of macrophages, and has antiproliferative effects on transformed cells and it can potentiate the antiviral and antitumor effects of the type I interferons.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 8 (TNFRSF8) is a receptor for TNFSF8/CD30L. TNFRSF8 has a role in the regulation of cellular growth and transformation of activated lymphoblasts. In addition, the TNFRSF8 protein regulates gene expression via activation of NF-kappa-B. TNFRSF8 being a regulator of apoptosis, induces cell death or proliferation, depending on the cell type.

HAAO is a monomeric cytosolic protein which is a member of intramolecular dioxygenases family containing nonheme ferrous iron. The HAAO protein catalyzes the synthesis of quinolinic acid (QUIN) from 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid. QUIN is an excitotoxin whose toxicity is facilitated by its ability to activate glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Amplified cerebral levels of QUIN may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurologic and inflammatory disorders. HAAO is widely distributed in peripheral organs, such as liver and kidney, and is also present in low amounts in the central nervous system.

CNTF is a polypeptide hormone whose actions appear to be restricted to the nervous system where it promotes neurotransmitter synthesis and neurite outgrowth in certain neuronal populations. The protein is a potent survival factor for neurons and oligodendrocytes and may be relevant in reducing tissue destruction during inflammatory attacks. A mutation in this gene, which results in aberrant splicing, leads to ciliary neurotrophic factor deficiency, but this phenotype is not causally related to neurologic disease. In addition to the predominant monocistronic transcript originating from this locus, the gene is also co-transcribed with the upstream ZFP91 gene. Co-transcription from the two loci results in a transcript that contains a complete coding region for the zinc finger protein but lacks a complete coding region for ciliary neurotrophic factor.
CNTF is a survival factor for various neuronal cell types. Seems to prevent the degeneration of motor axons after axotomy.

IL19 is a cytokine that belongs to the IL10 cytokine subfamily. IL-19 is found to be preferentially expressed in monocytes. It can bind the IL20 receptor complex and lead to the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). A similar cytokine in mouse is reported to up-regulate the expression of IL6 and TNF-alpha and induce apoptosis, which suggests a role of this cytokine in inflammatory responses. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the distinct isoforms have been described.

HCV is a small 50nm, enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNAvirus in the family Flaviviridae.
HCV has a high rate of replication with approximately one trillion particles produced each day in an infected individual. Due to lack of proofreading by the HCV RNA polymerase, the HCV has an exceptionally high mutation rate, a factor that may help it elude the host's immune response. Hepatitis C virus is classified into six genotypes(1-6) with several subtypes within each genotype. The preponderance and distribution of HCV genotypes varies globally. Genotype is clinically important in determining potential response to interferon-based therapy and the required duration of such therapy. Genotypes 1 and 4 are less responsive to interferon-based treatment than are the other genotypes (2, 3, 5 and 6).

Hepatitis B virus x interacting protein (HBXIP) forms a complex with the C-terminus of hepatitis B virus X (HBX) protein. HBXIP negatively regulates HBX activity and changes the replicative life cycle of the virus. Furthermore, HBXIP is involved in bipolar spindle formation and regulates centrosome dynamics and cytokinesis in cells, possibly due to interaction with Dynein light chain. HBXIP is highly expressed in the skeletal and cardiac muscle, followed by pancreas, kidney, liver, brain, placenta and lung. HBXIP has elevated levels in both cancerous and non-cancerous liver tissue of patients with chronic HBV infection compared with hepatic tissue without HBV infection.

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.

Interleukin-6 is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine primarily produced by activated T cells and an assortment of other cells including endothelial cells and macrophages. IL-6 affects B and T lymphocytes and has been shown to have a role in host defense, acute phase reactions, immune responses and hematopoiesis.

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).