Search results

NME2 takes an important part in the synthesis of nucleoside triphosphates other than ATP. NME2 negatively controls Rho activity by interacting with AKAP13/LBC. NME2 acts as a transcriptional activator of the MYC gene. NME2 binds DNA non-specifically. NME2 is a heterodimeric enzyme functioning as a nucleoside diphosphate kinase. NME1 and NME2 contain 152 amino acids, A and B polypeptide chains of the NM23 enzyme, respectively. NME2 is identical to the beta subunit of human erythrocyte NDP kinase. NDP kinases participate in the synthesis of nucleoside triphosphates, and NM23 is involved in the regulation of signal transduction by complexing with G proteins, causing activation/inactivation of developmental pathways.

BCL2L2 promotes cell survival and blocks dexamethasone-induced apoptosis. BCL2L2 mediates survival of postmitotic Sertoli cells by suppressing death-promoting activity of BAX. BCL2L2 is part of the BCL-2 protein family which form hetero- or homodimers and play an important role as anti and proapoptotic regulators. BCL2L2 causes reduced cell apoptosis under cytotoxic conditions. BCL2L2 is involved in the survival of NGF- and BDNF-dependent neurons. BCL2L2 plays an important role in adult spermatogenesis.

GH is a member of the somatotropin/prolactin family of hormones which play an important role in growth control. The gene, along with four other related genes, is located at the growth hormone locus on chromosome 17 where they are interspersed in the same transcriptional orientation; an arrangement which is thought to have evolved by a series of gene duplications. The five genes share a remarkably high degree of sequence identity. Alternative splicing generates additional isoforms of each of the five growth hormones, leading to further diversity and potential for specialization. This particular family member is expressed in the pituitary but not in placental tissue as is the case for the other four genes in the growth hormone locus. Mutations in or deletions of the gene lead to growth hormone deficiency and short stature.

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).

Meteorin (METRN) is involved in both glial cell differentiation and axonal network formation during neurogenesis. METRN promotes astrocyte differentiation and transforms cerebellar astrocytes into radial glia. Moreover, the METRN protein stimulates axonal extension in small and intermediate neurons of sensory ganglia by activating nearby satellite glia.

C-JUN is a gene which, in combination with c-Fos, forms the AP-1early response transcription factor. C-JUN is activated by the JNKpathway. C-JUN is the putative transforming gene of avian sarcoma virus 17. C-JUN is a protein which is highly similar to the viral protein, and which interacts directly with specific target DNA sequences to regulate gene expression. The C-JUN gene is intronless and is mapped to 1p32-p31, a chromosomal region involved in both translocations and deletions in human malignancies.

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.

HUS1 is a component of an evolutionarily conserved, genotoxin-activated checkpoint complex. HUS1 protein connects with Rad9 and Rad1 to form the 9-1-1(RAD9-RAD1-HUS1) complex, that confines to DNA lesions and promotes DNA damage signaling and repair or apoptosis, cell cycle arrest. The trimeric complex is structurally similar to the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) sliding clamp and interacts with Rad17 as a clamp-clamp loader pair during the DNA damage response.

Sincalide corresponds to the C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK) which acts on receptors within the gallbladder wall causing it to contract.
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone originally isolated from porcine intestinal mucosa and described as a linear 33-amino acid peptide containing a sulfated tyrosine, which is essential for its biological activity. It has been found in mammals in both the digestive tract and the central nervous system. Among its multiple biological functions, this hormone stimulates pancreatic exocrine secretion, gallbladder contraction, and intestine motility and may also act as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in the central nervous system.

IL-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine that stimulates the production of IFNgamma from T-cells and natural killer cells, and also induces differentiation of Th1 helper cells. It is an initiator of cell-mediated immunity.

Resistin, a product of the RSTN gene, is a peptide hormone belonging to the class of cysteine-rich secreted proteins which is termed the RELM family, and is also described as ADSF (Adipose Tissue- Specific Secretory Factor) and FIZZ3 (Found in Inflammatory Zone). Human resistin contains 108 amino acids as a prepeptide, and its hydrofobic signal peptide is cleaved before its secretion. Resistin circulates in human blood as a dimeric protein consisting of two 92 amino acid polypeptides, which are disulfide-linked via Cys26.
Mouse resistin, specifically produced and secreted by adipocyte, acts on skeletal muscle myocytes, hepatocytes and adipocytes themselves so that it reduces their sensitivity. Steppan et al. have suggested that resistin suppresses the ability to stimulate glucose uptake. They have also suggested that resistin is present at elevated levels in blood of obese mice, and is down regulated by fasting and antidiabetic drugs. Way et al., on the other hand, have found that resistin expression is severly suppressed in obesity and is stimulated by several antidiabetic drugs.
Other studies have shown that mouse resistin increases during the differentiation of adipocytes, but it also seems to inhibit adipogenesis. In contrast, the human adipogenic differentiation is likely to be associated with a down regulation of resistin gene expression.

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 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).

AHSG (fetuin-A) which is a glycoprotein present in the serum, is synthesized by hepatocytes. AHSG is one of the fetuin class of plasma binding proteins. It is involved in a number of functions, such as endocytosis, brain development and the formation of bone tissue. It is usually present in the cortical plate of the immature cerebral cortex and bone marrow hemopoietic matrix, hence it has been postulated that it participates in the development of the tissues. Yet, its exact significance is still vague. AHSG promotes endocytosis, hold opsonic properties and influences the mineral phase of the bone. Affinity for calcium and barium ions has been shown.

ALDH3A1 is involved in the detoxification of alcohol-derived acetaldehyde. ALDH3A1 participates in the metabolism of corticosteroids, biogenic amines, neurotransmitters, and lipid peroxidation. ALDH3A1 oxidizes aromatic aldehyde substrates and toxic aldehydes. ALDH3A1 forms a cytoplasmic homodimer that oxidizes aromatic and medium-chain saturated and unsaturated aldehyde substrates. ALDH3A1 promotes resistance to UV and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-induced oxidative damage in the cornea.

Hexokinases phosphorylate glucose to produce glucose-6-phosphate, thus committing glucose to the glycolytic pathway. Hexokinase1 encodes a ubiquitous form of hexokinase which localizes to the outer membrane of mitochondria. Mutations in this gene have been associated with hemolytic anemia due to hexokinase deficiency. Alternative splicing of HXK1 results in five transcript variants which encode different isoforms, some of which are tissue-specific. Each isoform has a distinct N-terminus; the remainder of the protein is identical among all the isoforms. A sixth transcript variant has been described, but due to the presence of several stop codons, it is not thought to encode a protein.

Hexokinases phosphorylate glucose to produce glucose-6-phosphate, thus committing glucose to the glycolytic pathway. Hexokinase 2 is the predominant form found in skeletal muscle. It localizes to the outer membrane of mitochondria. Expression of this gene is insulin-responsive, and studies in rat suggest that it is involved in the increased rate of glycolysis seen in rapidly growing cancer cells.

Myosin light polypeptide 6 (MYL6) is a hexameric ATPase cellular motor protein. MYL6 is composed of 2 heavy chains, 2 nonphosphorylatable alkali light chains, and 2o phosphorylatable regulatory light chains. MYL6 is a myosin alkali light chain which is expressed in smooth muscle and non-muscle tissues. MYL6 partakes in generating the force for cellular movements, thus having an imperative role in overall cellular function.

MYL9 is one of the numerous regulatory myosin light chains. Myosin which is a structural component of the muscle consists of 2 heavy chains and 4 light chains. MYL9 is a myosin light chain regulates muscle contraction by modulating the ATPase activity of myosin heads. MYL9 binds calcium and is activated by myosin light chain kinase. Regulatory myosin light chains regulate contraction in smooth muscle and non-muscle cells via phosphorylation by MLCK (myosin light chain kinase). Phosphorylation of regulatory myosin light chains is catalyzed by MLCK in the presence of calcium and calmodulin and it increases the actin-activated myosin ATPase activity, thus regulates the contractile activity.