Search results

Dynein light chain Tctex-type 1 (DYNLT1) is a member of the dynein light chain Tctex-type family. DYNLT1 is a dynein light chain involved in cargo binding. DYNLT1 acts as one of several non-catalytic accessory components of the cytoplasmic dynein 1 complex which are believed to be involved in linking dynein to cargos and to adapter proteins that regulate dynein function. Cytoplasmic dynein is a key motor protein complex responsible for minus-end, microtubule-based motile processes. Each dynein complex consists of two heavy chains which have ATPase and motor activities, as well as a group of accessory polypeptides.

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).

N-myc-interactor belongs to the oncogene Myc family which has a significant part in cell proliferation, differentiation, and neoplastic transformation. In Addition, NMI cooperates with all STATs except STAT2 and augments STAT-mediated transcription in response to cytokines IL2 and IFN-gamma. The NMI mRNA is expressed in small quantities in all human fetal and adult tissues tested except brain and but in large quantities in cancer cell line-myeloid leukemias.

IFN-beta 1b has antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer activities.
Influenza A viruses not only inhibit IFN-beta gene induction but also supress Type-I IFN signaling via mechanism involving induction of the SOCS-3 protein.
Intracellular bacteria and cytosolic poly (dA-dT) trigger IFN-beta responses in different human cells without requiring human ZBP1.

SOD2 is part of the iron/manganese superoxide dismutase family. It encodes a mitochondrial protein that forms a homotetramer and binds one manganese ion per subunit. SOD2 binds to the superoxide byproducts of oxidative phosphorylation and converts them to hydrogen peroxide and diatomic oxygen. Mutations in SOD2 gene have been associated with idiopathic cardiomyopathy (IDC), premature aging, sporadic motor neuron disease, and cancer. SOD2 destroys radicals which are usually produced within the cells and which are toxic to biological systems.

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 11 (CCL11) is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is also known as eotaxin. CCL11 selectively recruits eosinophils by inducing their chemotaxis, and therefore, is implicated in allergic responses. The effects of CCL11 are mediated by its binding to a G-protein-linked receptor known as a chemokine receptor. Chemokine receptors for which CCL11 is a ligand include CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5. The gene for human CCL11 (scya11) is encoded on three exons and is located on chromosome 17.

STX6 is a member of the syntaxin family and has 1 t-SNARE coiled-coil homology domain. STX6 takes part in intracellular vesicle transferring. STX6 binds EEA1 and Interacts with VPS45A, MARCH2, MARCH3 and GOPC. It is found in a complex comprising STX6, STX12, VAMP4 and VTI1A.

Fractalkine soluble form is chemotactic for t-cells and monocytes, but not for neutrophils. Fractalkine membrane-bound form promotes adhesion of those leukocytes to endothelial cells. Fractalkine regulates leukocyte adhesion and migration processes at the endothelium and binds to CX3CR1. Natural Human Fractalkine is produced as a long protein (373-amino acid) with an extended mucin-like stalk and a chemokine domain on top. The mucin-like stalk permits it to bind to the cell surface. Fractalkine gene is located on human chromosome 16 along with some CC chemokines known as CCL17 and CCL22.

GOPC is a PDZ domain-containing Golgi protein which binds the extreme C terminus of proteins in a sequence-specific manner. GOPC participates in intracellular protein trafficking and degradation. GOPC regulates CFTR chloride currents and acid-induced ACCN3 currents by modulating cell surface expression of both channels. GOPC regulates the intracellular trafficking of the ADR1B receptor. GOPC takes part in autophagy. GOPC over expression results in CFTR intracellular retention and degradation in the lysosomes.

Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family that was previously called GRO1 oncogene, Neutrophil-activating protein 3 (NAP-3) and melanoma growth stimulating activity, alpha (MSGA-a). It is secreted by human melanoma cells, has mitogenic properties and is implicated in melanoma pathogenesis. CXCL1 is expressed by macrophages, neutrophilsand epithelial cells, and has neutrophil chemoattractant activity. CXCL1 plays a role in spinal cord development by inhibiting the migration of oligodendrocyte precursors and is involved in the processes of angiogenesis, inflammation, wound healing, and tumorigenesis. This chemokine elicits its effects by signaling through the chemokine receptor CXCR2. The gene for CXCL1 is located on human chromosome 4 amongst genes for other CXC chemokines.

Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 7 (VAMP7) is a member of the synaptobrevin family. VAMP7 is a transmembrane protein, which is a member of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family. VAMP7 is involved in the targeting and/or fusion of transport vesicles to their target membrane during transport of proteins from the early endosome to the lysosome. VAMP7 localizes to late endosomes and lysosomes and is involved in the fusion of transport vesicles to their target membranes. VAMP7 is essential for heterotypic fusion of late endosomes with lysosomes and homotypic lysosomal fusion. It is also necessary for calcium regulated lysosomal exocytosis. In addition, VAMP7 is involved in the export of chylomicrons from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cis Golgi. Furthermore, VAMP7 is needed for exocytosis of mediators during eosinophil and neutrophil degranulation, and target cell killing by natural killer cells.

RAC1 is a GTPase which belongs to the RAS superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins. Members of this superfamily appear to regulate a diverse array of cellular events, including the control of cell growth, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the activation of protein kinases. RAC-1 regulates the actin cytoskeleton but also other cellular processes. RAC1 have been shown to be involved in the regulation of cell-cell adhesion.

MCEE catalyzes the interconversion of D- and L-methylmalonyl-CoA throughout the degradation of branched chain amino acids, odd chain-length fatty acids, and other metabolites. MCEE protein deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of amino acid metabolism, involving valine, threonine, isoleucine and methionine. This organic aciduria can appear in the neonatal period with life-threatening metabolic acidosis, hyperammonemia, feeding difficulties, pancytopenia and coma.

The 14-3-3 family of proteins plays a key regulatory role in signal transduction, checkpoint control, apoptotic and nutrient-sensing pathways. 14-3-3 proteins are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed. There are at least seven isoforms, β, γ, ε, σ, ζ, τ and η that have been identified in mammals. The 14-3-3 epsilon, a subtype of the 14-3-3 family of proteins, was thought to be brain and neuron-specific. It has been shown to interact with CDC25 phosphatases, RAF1 and IRS1 proteins, suggesting its role in diverse biochemical activities related to signal transduction, such as cell division and regulation of sensitivity. It has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of small cell lung cancer.

Meprin A subunit beta (MEP1B) belongs to the astacin family of zinc endopeptidases 1, 2. MEP1B is a disulfide-linked, tetrameric metalloendopeptidase in renal brush border membranes. MEP1B is highly regulated, secreted cell-surface metalloendopeptidase, which is amply expressed in the kidney and intestine.

Milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 protein (Mfge8) is pleiotropic secreted glycoprotein which promotes mammary gland morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. Mfge8 has also an imperative role in tissue homeostasis and the prevention of inflammation. Mfge8 functions as a bridge between phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells and Integrin alpha V beta 3 on phagocytes, leading to the clearance of apoptotic debris.

The homeobox protein family of transcription factors has many members that take part in developmental processes such as HHEX. HHEX is known to interact with Promyelocytic leukemia protein and expression in specific hematopoietic lines indicates that this protein is involved in hematopoietic differentiation.

ANXA2 is part of the annexin family and is involved in the regulation of cellular growth and in signal transduction pathways. ANXA2 protein functions as an autocrine factor which increases osteoclast formation and bone resorption. ANXA2 is associated with sickle cell osteonecrosis. Reduced ANXA2 expression is associated with osteosarcoma metastases. ANXA2 is part of the putative cell surface vitamin D binding protein binding site complex and functions to mediate the chemotactic cofactor effect. ANXA2 is involved in dysferlin deficiency and in muscular dystrophies. Human colon adenocarcinoma cell differentiation is related with an up-regulation of ANXA2.

Dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3) is a dual specificity protein kinase which is a member of the MAP kinase kinase family. MAP2K3 is activated by mitogenic and environmental stress, and participates in the MAP kinase-mediated signaling cascade. MAP2K3 phosphorylates and consequently activates MAPK14/p38-MAPK.

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).

ALDH2 is part of the aldehyde dehydrogenase family of proteins which catalyze the chemical transformation from acetaldehyde to acetic acid. ALDH2 is the second enzyme of the major oxidative pathway of alcohol metabolism. ALDH2 has 2 major liver isoforms: cytosolic and mitochondrial, which differ by their electrophoretic mobilities, kinetic properties, and subcellular localizations. Nearly all Caucasians have 2 major isozymes, whereas roughly 50% of Orientals have only the cytosolic isozyme, omitting the mitochondrial isozyme. The extremely higher rate of acute alcohol intoxication with Orientals compared to Caucasians is due to the fact of the absence of mitochondrial isozyme. ALDH2 has a low Km for acetaldehydes, and is localized in mitochondrial matrix.

The signal sequence receptor (SSR) is a glycosylated endoplasmic reticulum membrane receptor related with protein translocation across the ER membrane. The SSR consists of 2 subunits, a 34-kD glycoprotein (alpha-SSR or SSR1) and a 22-kD glycoprotein (beta-SSR or SSR2). The human beta-signal sequence receptor gene (SSR2) maps to chromosome bands 1q21-q23. Diseases correlated with SSR2 include calcaneonavicular coalition, and osteosarcoma, and among its related super-pathways are Viral mRNA Translation and Generic Transcription Pathway.

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a 32kDa proinflammatory cytokine that may also regulate gene transcription in producer cells. IL-33 is structurally related to IL-1, which induces helper T cells to produce type 2 cytokines and acts through the receptor IL1RL-1 (IL1 receptor-like-1), which is known also as ST2. Binding of IL-33 to this receptor activates NF-kappa-B and MAP kinases and induces in vitro Th2 cells to produce cytokines. In vivo, IL-33 induces expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and leads to severe pathological changes in mucosal organs and in vitro, it can be divided to N-terminal fragment of 12kDa and C-terminal fragment of 18kDa by cleavage of caspase-1.

Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), are a family of cell surface glycoproteins found on Natural Killer (NK) Cells, which are important cells of the immune system. They control the killing function of these cells by interacting with MHC class I molecules, which are expressed on all cell types. This interaction allows them to identify virally infected cells or tumor cells that have a distinctive low level of Class I MHC on their surface. The majority of KIRs are inhibitory, which means that their recognition of MHC suppresses the cytotoxic activity of their NK cell. Only a limited number of KIRs have the capacity to activate cells. The KIR genes are found in a cluster on chromosome 19q13.4 within the 1 Mb leukocyte receptor complex (LRC). KIR molecules are extremely polymorphic, meaning their gene sequences differ significantly between individuals, so that different individuals have different arrays/repertoires of KIR genes. The KIR proteins are categorized by the number of