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The retinoid X receptor (RXR) is a pleiotropic nuclear receptor transcription factor that interacts with a variety of nuclear receptor dimeric partner. RXR binds cognate response elements as a homodimer in the presence of its ligand, 9-cis retinoic acid, or as a heterodimer with other members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily including retinoic acid receptors (RAR), thyroid hormone receptors (TR), vitamin D receptors and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPAR). The RXR family includes three different isoforms; RXR a, b, g . Human RXR a gene is localized on 9q34.9 and encodes two major isoforms (RXR a1, RXR a2). The DNA binding domain of RXR (111-228aa) was purified by using conventional column chromatography techniques.

MMADHC is a mitochondrial protein which takes part in an early step of vitamin B1 2 metabolism. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is vital for regular development and existence in humans. Mutations in MMADHC can result in methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria type cblD, a cobalamin metabolism syndrome which is characterized by decreased levels of the coenzymes methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.

ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase (ADPRH) is a member of the ADP-ribosylglycohydrolase family. ADPRH catalyzes the removal of mono-ADP-ribose from arginine residues of proteins in the ADP-ribosylation cycle. The human ADPRH enzyme is DTT-independent as opposed to the rat and mouse enzymes, which require DTT for maximal activity.

Agouti-related protein is an endogenous antagonist of hypothalamic alpha-melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R with potent orexigenic activity. Although a complete deletion of the AGRP gene does not produce any significant metabolic phenotypes, reduction in AGRP expression by RNA interference is associated with increased metabolic rate along with reduced weight gain. In hypothalamus, it is produced by neurons in the medial portion of arcuate nucleus, which produce also the potent orexigenic peptide Neuropeptide Y (NP-Y). Another site of central AGRP production is the hypothalamic nucleus. AGRP encompasses 132 amino acid residues and its alpha-melanocortin inhibiting activity results in a 34 amino acid cystine knot domain within the C-terminal (87-132) portion of the protein. Both AGRP and NP-Y expression was shown to be suppressed by leptin. Central administration of AGRP induces hyperphagia and increased gain in body weight in rodents, but may also exert metabolic effects even when hyperphagia is prevented. In the absence of hyperphagia, intracerebralventricular administration of AGRP caused significant increases in plasma leptin and insulin concentrations (twofold and 1.5-fold, respectively) and fat pad mass.
In the periphery, AGRP mRNA was found in adrenal glands, lung, testis, ovary, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in humans or rodents. In the adrenals, it was shown that AGRP antagonizes glucosteroid production mediated by MC4R. AGRP could then modulate locally the functions of some peripheral tissues such as adrenals.
In human and rat serum, detectable levels of AGRP-like activity were reported in the lower picogram range. The serum AGRP levels were elevated in obese humans compared to lean controls and increased with fasting in rats.

Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I C (HLA-C) belongs to the HLA class I heavy chain paralogues. The HLA-C (class I molecule) is a heterodimer comprised of a heavy chain and a light chain (beta-2 microglobulin). The heavy chain is anchored in the membrane. Class I molecules have a key role in the immune system by presenting peptides derived from endoplasmic reticulum lumen. Class I molecules are expressed in virtually all cells.

Beta Defensin 118 (DEFB118) which is a member of the beta subfamily of defensins, is found in a cluster with other beta-defensin genes on the long arm of chromosome 20. Beta-defensins are antimicrobial peptides which provide protection for tissues and organs from infection by a diversity of microorganisms. DEFB118 protein’s expression is regulated by androgen, and the encoded protein binds to sperm and exhibits antibacterial activity.

ATPaseTransporting Beta 1 (ATP1B1) is a part of the family of Na+/K+ and H+/K+ ATPases beta chain proteins, and the subfamily of Na+/K+ -ATPases. Na+/K+ -ATPase is an essential membrane protein accountable for establishing and maintaining the electrochemical gradients of Na and K ions over the plasma membrane. These gradients are vital for osmoregulation, for sodium-coupled transport of a range of organic and inorganic molecules, and for electrical excitability of muscle and nerve. ATP1B1is combined of 2 subunits, a large catalytic subunit (alpha) and a smaller glycoprotein subunit (beta). The beta subunit regulates the number of sodium pumps transported to the plasma membrane through assembly of alpha/beta heterodimers. ATP1B1 is a beta 1 subunit.

ATPase inhibitory factor 1 (ATPIF1) attaches to the C-terminal region of a beta subunit of the F1-ATPase at low pH values and, through interference of the beta and gamma subunit interaction, ATPIF1 controls the activity of the F1 (the hydrophilic catalytic core), F0 (the membrane embedded protein channel) ATPase. ATPIF1 overexpression in a number of human carcinomas additionally reinforces its participation in oncogenesis and offers insight into the transformed metabolism of cancer cells, including the reprogramming of energy metabolism in relation to glycolysis. Endogenous F1F(o)-ATPase inhibitor curbing ATP depletion when the mitochondrial membrane potential drops below a threshold and the F1F(o)-ATP synthase begins hydrolyzing ATP to pump protons out of the mitochondrial matrix.

IFN-gamma produced by lymphocytes activated by specific antigens / mitogens.
IFN-gamma, on top of 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.

ST13 is an adaptor protein (co-chaperone) that mediates the association of HSP70 & HSP90 and appears in early receptor complexes. ST13 plays a role in the assembly process of glucocorticoid receptor, which requires the assistance of multiple molecular chaperones. The expression of ST13 is downregulated in colorectal carcinoma tissue signifying that is candidate tumor suppressor gene. Through common binding to both Hsp70 and Hsp90, ST13 functions as an adaptor that can integrate Hsp70 and Hsp90 interactions. The expression of ST13 decreases in colorectal cancer tissue compared with that in adjacent normal tissue. ST13 is mostly expressed in colorectal epithelia and adenocarcinoma cells. ST13 functions to promote the efficiency of glucocorticoid receptor maturation in cells. The expression levels of the ST13 gene were significantly decreased in primary tumors compared with adjacent mucosa.

Sulfotransferase 1C2 (SULT1C2) is a member the sulfotransferase1 superfamily. SULT1C2 catalyzes the transfer of sulfate from PAPS (3’-phosphoadenosine-5’-phosphosulfate) to phenol-containing compounds, including hormones and neurotransmitters. A short and a long isoform of SULT1C2 exist as a result of alternative splicing events. Sulfotransferase enzymes catalyze the sulfate conjugation of various hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs, and xenobiotic compounds.

Transcription elongation factor A protein-like 1 (TCEAL1) is a member of the transcription elongation factor A (SII)-like (TCEAL) family, which may function as nuclear phosphoproteins that modulate transcription in a promoter context-dependent manner. TCEAL1 is involved in transcriptional regulation. TCEAL1 is expressed in all tissues, especially highly expressed in the heart, ovary, prostate and skeletal muscle.

TCL1A (T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 1A) is a protein with a possible role in intracellular regulation of T cell signaling. TCL1A enhances cell proliferation, stabilizes mitochondrial membrane potential and promotes cell survival. TCL1A is restricted in the T-cell lineage to immature thymocytes and activated peripheral lymphocytes. TCL1A is preferentially expressed early in T and B-lymphocyte differentiation. Chromosomal anomalies activating TCL1A are found in chronic T-cell leukemias (T-CLL).
TCL1A enhances the phosphorylation and activation of AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3. TCL1A promotes nuclear translocation of AKT1. TCL1A binds to the pleckstrin homology domain of Akt (protein kinase B) family proteins, which facilitates Akt dimerization and activity. By increasing Akt activity, TCL1A can enhance the serine/threonine phosphorylation of major Akt signaling substrates, for example Ikk complex, mTOR, BAD, p70S6 kinase, FOXO transcription factors and GSK3b. These substrates regulate cellular differentiation, growth, survival, and metabolism.

Platelet factor-4 is a 70-amino acid protein that is released from the alpha-granules of activated platelets. Its major physiologic role appears to be neutralization of molecules on the endothelial surface of blood vessels, thereby inhibiting local antithrombin III activity and promoting coagulation. As a strong chemoattractant for neutrophils and fibroblasts, PF4 probably has a role in inflammation and wound repair. Oncostatin-A is a member of the CXC chemokine family. Furthermore it is used as an inhibitor in the angiogenesis during tumor therapy.

Platelet factor-4 is a 70-amino acid protein that is released from the alpha-granules of activated platelets. Its major physiologic role appears to be neutralization of molecules on the endothelial surface of blood vessels, thereby inhibiting local activity and promoting coagulation. As a strong chemoattractant for neutrophils and fibroblasts, PF4 probably has a role in inflammation and wound repair. Oncostatin-A is a member of the CXC chemocinfamily.

Fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF-13) is a member of the large FGF family which has at least 23 members. Most of its members are binding growth factors with a core 120 amino acid (aa) FGF domain which allows for a mutual tertiary structure. Human and mouse FGF13 are 245 aa proteins which arise from genes that show N-terminal alternative splicing. Transcripts for 245 aa, 199 aa, 226 aa, 192 aa and 255 aa have been identified in human and mouse, with almost complete cross-species aa identity among all splice forms (greater than 98%). FGF13 is identified in the fetal ependyma, dorsal root and cranial ganglia, both atrial and ventricular myocardium, and in renal collecting duct-associated mesenchyme.

Inhibitor of Growth Family Member 1, also known as ING1 is a tumor suppressor protein which is able to induce cell growth arrest and apoptosis. ING1 is a nuclear protein which physically act together with the tumor suppressor protein TP53 and is a component of the p53 signaling pathway. In addition, Reduced expression and rearrangement of ING1 have been identified in various cancers. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been described for ING1.

GAMT is a methyltransferase that transfers guanidoacetate to creatine, using S-adenosylmethionine as the methyl donor. Defects GAMT gene result in neurologic syndromes and muscular hypotonia, probably due to creatine deficiency and accumulation of guanidinoacetate in the brain of affected individuals. GAMT take parts in the two-step synthesis of creatine from the protein building blocks glycine, arginine, and methionine. GAMT takes part in supplying the energy for muscle contraction, and is in addition a significant player in nervous system functioning. GAMT is active in the liver, pancreas, and kidne.

BAT3 complex is a multiprotein complex which takes part in the post-translational delivery of tail-anchored (TA) membrane proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Golgi To ER Traffic Protein 4 (GET4) is a part of the BAT3 complex. The complex functions by helping TA proteins (which contain a single C-terminal transmembrane region) which are captured by ASNA1/TRC40. BAT3 complex synthesizes membrane proteins, interacts with the transmembrane area of recently released TA proteins, and transfers them to ASNA1/TRC40 for targeting.

Troponin is a fundamental regulatory protein of striated muscle contraction, and together with tropomyosin, is positioned on the actin filament. Troponin has 3 subunits: TnI- the inhibitor of actomyosin ATPase; TnT- contains the binding site for tropomyosin; and TnC- the protein encoded by the TNNC1 gene. The binding of calcium to TnC stops the inhibitory action of TnI, consequently allowing the interaction of actin with myosin, the hydrolysis of ATP, and the generation of tension. Mutations in the TNNC1 gene are linked to cardiomyopathy dilated type 1Z.

Ubiquinone biosynthesis protein COQ9 (COQ9) represents a mitochondrial ubiquinone biosynthesis gene. The COQ9 protein is likely required for biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10, since mutations at this locus have been linked with autosomal-recessive neonatal-onset primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency.

Since April 2012, cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been identified in various countries. Coronaviruses are the cause of the common cold, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and other severe illnesses with high mortality rates, all are classified into coronavirus family. MERS-CoV is a new type of SARS found in the coronavirus family causing severe pneumonia with sudden and serious respiratory illness with high mortality rates as well. Since January 27th 2015, the WHO has reported 956 human cases, including 351 deaths. More cases of the new coronavirus strain are expected. Like in other coronaviruses, large surface spike glycoprotein is a central structural protein of this virus; it is located above the virion surface to bind and enter into the target cell. Spike protein has 2 domains- S1 and S2. The S1 domain is responsible for cellular tropism and interaction with target cell, while the S2 domain is responsible for membrane fusion. The C-terminal of S1 domain contains a receptor binding domain, and is also a potential target for vaccine development and an antigen for diagnosis.

Cholera Toxin B subunit (ctxB) Cholera is a protein complex secreted by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. ctxB is responsible for the massive, watery diarrhea characteristic of cholera infection. The cholera toxin is an oligomeric complex made up of 6 protein subunits: a single copy of the A subunit and5 copies of the B subunit, denoted as AB5. Subunit B binds while subunit A activates the G protein which activates adenylate cyclase. The five B subunits form a five-membered ring. The A subunit has 2 important segments. The A1 portion of the chain (CTA1) is a globular enzyme payload that ADP-ribosylates G proteins, while the A2 chain (CTA2) forms an extended alpha helix which sits snugly in the central pore of the B subunit ring.