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SMAD2 is part of the SMAD family of proteins that mediate signal transduction by the TGF-beta/BMP-2/4 cytokine superfamily from receptor Ser/Thr protein kinases at the cell surface to the nucleus. Phosphorylated SMAD2 is then able to form a complex with SMAD4 or SARA. These complexes accumulate in the cell nucleus, where they are directly participating in the regulation of gene expression. SMAD2 mediates the signal of the TGF-beta, and therefore regulates multiple cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. SMAD2 is recruited to the TGF-beta receptors through its interaction with the SMAD anchor for receptor activation (SARA) protein.
TGF-beta 1 acts on adjacent stromal cells to turn on SMAD2 signalling that could lead to stromal decidualization. SMAD2 is the downstream signal transducers of TGF-beta-1 in human dental pulp cells.

Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein S23, also known as MRPS23 belongs to the mammalian mitochondrial ribosomal proteins which are encoded by nuclear genes and assist in proteinsynthesis inside the mitochondrion. Mitochondrial ribosomes consist of a small 28S subunit and a large 39S subunit. In addition, they have an estimated 75% protein to rRNA composition compared to prokaryotic ribosomes, where this ratio isreversed. An additional difference between mammalian mitoribosomes and prokaryotic ribosomes is that the lattercontain a 5S rRNA. Between different species, the proteins containing the mitoribosome differ very much in sequence, and occasionally in biochemical properties, which prevents easy recognition by sequence homology.

Prohibitin 2, also known as PHB2, mediates transcriptional repression by nuclear hormone receptors via recruitment of histone deacetylases by similarity. PHB2 functions as an estrogen receptor (ER)-selective coregulator which potentiates the inhibitory activities of antiestrogens and represses the activity of estrogens. PHB2 which is involved in regulating mitochondrial respiration activity and in aging, competes with NCOA1 for modulation of ER transcriptional activity.

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.

Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A/B (HNRNPAB) is a member of the subfamily of ubiquitously expressed heterogeneous nuclearribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). The hnRNPs are produced by RNA polymerase II and are components of theheterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) complexes. They are linked with pre-mRNAs in the nucleus and seem to influence pre-mRNA processing and further aspects of mRNA metabolism and transport. Whereas all of the hnRNPsare present in the nucleus, some seem to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The hnRNP proteins have distinct nucleic acid binding properties. HNRNPAB, which binds to one of the components of the multiproteineditosome complex, has two repeats of quasi-RRM (RNA recognition motif) domains that bind to RNAs. Among the diseases associated with HNRNPAB are wells syndrome, and cystic fibrosis.

VAMP4 belongs to the synaptobrevin family who are involved in docking and/or fusion of vesicles with cell membrane. VAMP4 is enriched in the trans-Golgi network and may be a factor in the trans-Golgi network-to-endosome transport. VAMP4 is involved in the pathway which functions to eliminate an inhibitor (most likely synaptotagmin-4) of calcium-triggered exocytosis during the maturation of secretory granules. Synaptobrevins, syntaxins, and SNAP25 are the chief components of a protein complex involved in the docking and/or fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane.

B cell-activating factor (BAFF) enhances B-cell survival in vitro and is a regulator of the peripheral B-cell population. Overexpression of Baff in mice results in mature B-cell hyperplasia and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Also, some SLE patients have increased levels of BAFF in serum. Therefore, it has been proposed that abnormally high levels of BAFF may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by enhancing the survival of autoreactive B cells. The protein encoded by this gene is a receptor for BAFF and is a type III transmembrane protein containing a single extracellular cysteine-rich domain. It is thought that this receptor is the principal receptor required for BAFF-mediated mature B-cell survival.

BCA-1 is a CXC chemokine that is highly expressed in thesecondary lymphoid organs, such as follicles of the spleen, lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches. CXCL13 promotes the migration of B lymphocytes (compared to T cells and macrophages), by stimulating calcium influx into, and chemotaxis of, cells expressing Burkitt's lymphoma receptor 1 (BLR1). BCA1 therefore function in the homing of B lymphocytes to follicles. Human BCA-1 shares a 64% amino acid sequence similarity with the mouse protein and 23 - 34% amino acid sequence identity with other known CXC chemokines. Recombinant or chemically synthesized BCA1 is a potent chemoattractant for B lymphocytes but not T lymphocytes, monocytes or neutrophils. BLR1, a G protein-coupled receptor originally isolated from Burkitt’s lymphoma cells, has now been shown to be the specific receptor for BCA1. Among cells of the hematopoietic lineages, the expression of BLR-1, now designated CXCR-5, is restricted to B lymphocytes and a subpopulation of T helper memory cells.

SCP2 sterol-binding domain containing 1 also known as SCP2D1 contains 1 SCP2 domain. One of the diseases associated with SCP2D1 is d-bifunctional protein deficiency.

Ectodysplasin A Receptor, also known as EDAR belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor family. EDAR is a receptor for the soluble ligand ectodysplasin A, and is capable of activating the nuclear factor-kappaB, JNK, as well as caspase-independent cell death pathways. EDAR is necessary for the development of hair, teeth, and other ectodermal derivatives. Furthermore, mutations in EDAR resulted in autosomal dominant and recessive forms of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.

STEAP Family Member 4 (STEAP4) is a member of the STEAP (six transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate) family, resides in the golgi apparatus. STEAP4 act as a metalloreductase which has the ability to reduce both Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) and Cu(2+) to Cu(1+),using NAD(+) as acceptor. According to studies in mice and human it is possible that STEAP4 may involve in adipocyte development and metabolism, and also contribute to the normal biology of the prostate cell.

Mouse Complement 5a (C5a) is a glycoprotein which is a member of a family of structurally and functionally related proteins known as anaphylatoxins. C5a is a 77 a.a. peptide created by the C5a convertase proteolytic cleavage of C5 ? chain in the classical and alternative complement pathway (C4b2a3b, C3bBb3b). The mouse C5a has four ? helices and three intrachain disulfide bonds which form a triple loop structure. C5a functions through G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) (C5aR/CD88). C5a is a effective chemoattractant and anaphylatoxin which functions on all classes of leukocytes and on many other cell types including endothelial, smooth muscle, kidney, liver, and neural cells. Mouse C5a also mediates IL-8 release from bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore, it triggers an oxidative surge in macrophages and neutrophils, causing the release of histamine in basophils and mast cells. The C5a anaphylatoxin activity on hepatocytes results indirectly from interaction with nonparenchymal cell via prostanoid secretion.

The La protein is a 47 kDa polypeptide that frequently acts as an autoantigen in systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome patients. La is involved in various aspects of RNA metabolism, including binding and protecting 3-prime UUU(OH) elements of newly RNA polymerase III - transcribed RNA, processing 5-prime and 3-prime ends of pre-tRNA precursors, acting as an RNA chaperone, and binding viral RNAs linked to hepatitis C virus. It occurs in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, where it assumes different roles. In the nucleus, La protein facilitates the production of tRNAs, acting as an RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) transcription factor by attaching to the U-rich 3'UTR of nascent transcripts, aiding in their folding and maturation. In the cytoplasm, La protein facilitates the translation of specific mRNAs, acting as a translation factor. As an RNA binding protein (RBP), La protein associates with subsets of mRNAs which contain a 5'-terminal oligopyrimidine (5'TOP) motif known to direct protein synthesis. The binding of La protein to particular classes of RNA molecules regulates their downstream processing, guards them from endonuclease digestion, and organizes their export from the nucleus. La/SS-B appears to be readily disposed to proteolysis, which results in many smaller (42kD, 320, and 270) nevertheless still immunoreactive polypeptides. La/SS-B antigen is strongly conserved across species. Anti-La/SS-B autoantibodies were originally found as precipitating autoantibodies in sera of Sjogren's Syndrome patients and referred to as SjT. Anti-La/SS-B precipitins are most frequently found in Sjogren's Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Subacute Cutaneous Lupus. Also, there seems to be a correlation between anti-La/SS-B and the absence of nephritis in SLE patients.

REM2 and RAB-Like Small GTPase 1 (RSG1) plays a part in targeted membrane trafficking most likely at the level of vesicle fusion with membranes. The RSG1 protein is involved in cilium biogenesis by regulating the transportation of cargo proteins to the basal body and to the apical tips of cilia. RSG1 is a potential effector of the planar cell polarity signaling pathway. RSG1 is also involved in exocytosis in secretory cells.

PFDN6 is a subunit of the heteromeric prefoldin complex that chaperones developing actin and alpha- and beta-tubulin chains until they are transferred to the cytosolic chaperonin containing TCP1 (CCT) complex. PFDN6 binds specifically to cytosolic chaperonin (c-CPN), transfers target proteins to it and bind to developing polypeptide chain to promote folding in a setting where there are many competing pathways for nonnative proteins.

Cytosolic Fe-S cluster assembly factor NUBP1 isoform 1 (NUBP1) is Involved in the regulation of centrosome duplication similarity. NUBP1 is a component of the cytosolic iron-sulfur (Fe/S) protein assembly (CIA) machinery. NUBP1 is necessary for maturation of extra mitochondrial Fe-S proteins. The NUBP1-NUBP2 heterotetramer constructs a Fe-S scaffold complex, mediating the de novo compilation of a Fe-S cluster and its transfer to target apoproteins.

Adenosine deaminase CECR1 isoform (CECR1) belongs to a family of adenosine deaminase-related growth factors. Adenosine deaminase is a key enzyme of purine nucleotide metabolism. CECR1 is a secreted protein, which is expressed in various tissues, with the highest expression in the lymphoblasts, heart, lung, and the placenta.

BAFF binds to tnfrsf13b/taci and tnfrsf17/bcma. Tnfsf13/april binds to the same 2 receptors, together, they form a 2 ligands -2 receptors pathway involved in the stimulation of b- and t-cell function and the regulation of humoral immunity.A third b-cell specific baff-receptor (baffr/br3) promotes the survival of mature b-cells and the b-cell response.
B Lymphocyte Stimulator functions as a potent B-cell growth factor in costimulation assays.
Administration of BAFF Human recombinant to mice disrupts splenic B-cell and T-cell zones and results in elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin.

Clathrin, light chain A (CLTA) is a member of the clathrin family. Clathrin, which is a large, soluble protein, is comprised of heavy and light chains. CLTA is one of 2 clathrin light chain proteins which are supposed to function as regulatory elements. CLTA is a key cytosolic coat protein in pits and vesicles originating from the plasma membrane and the trans-Golgi network. In receptor-mediated endocytosis, receptor proteins are encapsulated by Clathrin-coated vesicles.

Leukocyte Immunoglobulin Like Receptor B1 (LILRB1) is a member of the leukocyteimmunoglobulinlike receptor (LIR) family. LILRB1is expressed on immune cells, binds to MHC classI molecules on antigen-presenting cells and transduces a negative signal that inhibits stimulation of an immuneresponse. LILRB1 controls inflammatory responses and cytotoxicity to help focus the immune responseand limit autoreactivity. LILRB1 is also expressed on the surface of B cells and monocytes, subsets of NKcells, gamma δ T cells,memory/effector CD8+ T cells and monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

The acute phase plasma protein ORM1 synthesized by the liver mediates the interaction between blood cells and endothelial cells. In addition, together with haptoglobin and C reactive protein, ORM1 regulates the extravasation of the cells through infection and inflammation. Expression of ORM1 is induced by acute-phase stimulatory mediators such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides.

GABARAPL1 [Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor-associated protein-like 1] is a member of the MAP1 LC3 family. GABARAPL1 increases cell surface expression of kappa type opioid receptor through facilitating anterograde intracellular trafficking of the receptor.

Mature T-Cell Proliferation 1, also known as MTCP1 was recognized by involvement in some t(X;14) translocations linked with mature T-cellproliferations. This region has a complex gene structure, with a common promoter and 5' exon spliced to two dissimilar sets of 3' exons which encode two different proteins. It represents the upstream 13 kDa protein which belongs to the TCL1 family. In addition, MTCP1 enhances the phosphorylation and activation of AKT1 and AKT2. MTCP1 is involved in leukemogenesis.Among the diseases associated with MTCP1 are queensland tick typhus, and african tick-bite fever.

BMP2 belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) superfamily. Bone morphogenic protein induces bone formation. BMP2 is a candidate gene for the autosomal dominant disease of fibrodysplasia (myositis) ossificans progressiva.