Search results

Leukocyte Cell Derived Chemotaxin 1 (214-333 a.a.), also known as LECT1, is a glycosylated transmembrane protein which is cleaved to form a mature, secreted protein. The mature protein encourages chondrocyte growth and inhibits angiogenesis. The mature protein takes part in endochondral bone development by permitting cartilaginous anlagen to be vascularized and replaced by bone. LECT1 is expressed in the avascular area of prehypertrophic cartilage and its expression reduces during vascular invasion and chondrocyte hypertrophy.

GDNF promotes the survival and differentiation of minergic neurons in culture, and is able to prevent apoptosis of motor neurons induced by axotomy. The encoded protein is processed to a mature secreted form that exists as a homodimer. The mature form of the protein is a ligand for the product of the RET (rearranged during transfection) protooncogene. In addition to the transcript encoding GDNF, two additional alternative transcripts encoding distinct proteins, referred to as astrocyte-derived trophic factors, have also been described. Mutations in this gene may be associated with Hirschsprung disease.
GDNF enhances survival and morphological differentiation of minergic neurons and increases their high-affinity uptake.

Human Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) catalyzes the reaction between superoxide anions and hydrogen to yield molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme protects the cell against dangerous levels of superoxide. SOD1 binds copper and zinc ions and is 1 of 3 isozymes accountable for destroying free superoxide radicals in the body. The encoded protein neutralizes supercharged oxygen molecules, which can damage cells if their levels are not controlled. Mutations in SOD1 cause a form of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

TDP1 belongs to the phospholipase D family and contains two PLD phosphodiesterase domains. TDP1 is involved in repairing stalled topoisomerase I-DNA complexes by catalyzing the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bond between the tyrosine residue of topoisomerase I and the 3-prime phosphate of DNA. TDP1 may also remove glycolate from single-stranded DNA containing 3-prime phosphoglycolate, suggesting a role in repair of free-radical mediated DNA double-strand breaks. Mutations in the TDP1 gene are linked to the disease spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy (SCAN1).

STX12 is a member of the syntaxin family which are cellular receptors for transport of vesicles that take part in exocytosis in neutrophils. STX12 regulates protein transport from late endosomes and the trans-Golgi network and back. Additionally, STX12 cooperates with ABC1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1), which enables cellular release of cholesterol and choline-phospholipids to apoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I).

Podocalyxin (PODXL) is a greatly glycosylated transmembrane sialoprotein in the CD34 and endoglycan family. The PODXL protein is involved in the regulation of both adhesion and cell morphology and cancer progression. PODXL functions as an anti-adhesive molecule, which retains an open filtration pathway between neighboring foot processes in the podocyte by charge repulsion. Moreover, PODXL serves as a pro-adhesive molecule, enhancing the adherence of cells to immobilized ligands, increasing the rate of migration and cell-cell contacts in an integrin-dependent manner.

Inositol oxygenase is a non-heme di-iron enzyme which oxidizes myo-inositol to glucuronic acid. In addition, inositol oxygenase oxidizes the less abundant chiro isomer of inositol. MIOX enzyme is a component of the only known pathway for the catabolism of inositol in humans. MIOX is expressed mostly in the kidneys. Reduction of Inositol Oxygenase and accumulation of polyols, such as inositol and xylitol, have been implicated as contributing factors in complications linked with diabetes.

Hexokinases phosphorylate glucose to produce glucose-6-phosphate, thus committing glucose to the glycolytic pathway. HK3 encodes hexokinase 3. Similar to hexokinases 1 and 2, this allosteric enzyme is inhibited by its product glucose-6-phosphate. Hexokinase3 lacks the hydrophobic N-terminal sequence critical for targeting to mitochondria. Hexpkinase3 may have anabolic functions, providing H6P for glycogen or lipid synthesis.

Tachykinin-1 (TAC1) belongs to the tachykinin peptide hormone family. TAC1 are a family of peptides which have similar biologic activities and share a common C-terminal sequence, phe-X-gly-leu-met-NH2, however they have distinct N-terminal sequences that convey receptor specificities. TAC1 is assumed to act as neurotransmitters which interact with nerve receptors and smooth muscle cells. TAC1 induces behavioral responses and serves as vasodilators and secretagogues.

GSTT2 belongs to the glutathione s-transferase (GST) family of proteins. There are eight GST proteins families, named alpha, kappa, mu, omega, pi, sigma, theta and zeta. Each one of the GST families has several proteins with different functions throughout the cell. The theta type members GSTT1 and GSTT2 have a 55% aa sequence homology and hold a vital role in human carcinogenesis. The theta genes are structurally similar – each has five exons with identical exon/intron boundaries.

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 that have been identified in mammals. The 14-3-3gamma, 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 RAF1 and protein kinase C, proteins involved in various signal transduction pathways.

Prealbumin is a thyroid hormone-binding protein that transports thyroxine from the bloodstream to the brain. Prealbumin is a carrier protein which transports thyroid hormones in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, and also transports retinol (vitamin A) in the plasma. Transthyretin consists of a tetramer of identical subunits and is dominantly produced in the liver. Mutations in Prealbumin are related to amyloid deposition, affecting predominantly peripheral nerve and/or the heart. The diseases caused by mutations include amyloidotic polyneuropathy, euthyroid hyperthyroxinaemia, amyloidotic vitreous opacities, cardiomyopathy, oculoleptomeningeal amyloidosis, meningocerebrovascular amyloidosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Prealbumin is an indicator of protein-energy malnutrition since it has a circulating half life of 2 days and reacts swiftly to changes in nutritional status.

HIV-1, the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), contains an RNA genome which produces a chromosomally integrated DNA during the replicative cycle. Activation of HIV-1 gene expression by the transactivator Tat is dependent on an RNA regulatory element (TAR) located downstream of the transcription initiation site. TARDBP is a transcriptional repressor which binds to chromosomally integrated TAR DNA and represses HIV-1 transcription. In addition, TARDBP regulates alternate splicing of the CFTR gene. A similar pseudogene is present on chromosome 20.

Metallothionein 3 (MT3) contains 3 zinc and 3 copper atoms per polypeptide chain and a minor amount of cadmium. MT3 inhibits survival and neurite formation of cortical neurons in vitro. MT3 also binds heavy metals.

Mmitochondrial import receptor subunit TOMM20 homolog (TOMM20) is a member of the Tom20 family. The Tom machinery consists of import receptors for the initial binding of cytosolically synthesized preproteins and a general import pore (GIP) for the membrane translocation of various preproteins into the mitochondria. TOMM20 acts as the transit peptide receptor at the surface of the mitochondrion outer membrane and facilitates the movement of preproteins into the TOM40 translocation pore.

Prealbumin is a thyroid hormone-binding protein that transports thyroxine from the bloodstream to the brain. Prealbumin is a carrier protein which transports thyroid hormones in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, and also transports retinol (vitamin A) in the plasma. Transthyretin consists of a tetramer of identical subunits and is dominantly produced in the liver. Mutations in Prealbumin are related to amyloid deposition, affecting predominantly peripheral nerve and/or the heart. The diseases caused by mutations include amyloidotic polyneuropathy, euthyroid hyperthyroxinaemia, amyloidotic vitreous opacities, cardiomyopathy, oculoleptomeningeal amyloidosis, meningocerebrovascular amyloidosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Prealbumin is an indicator of protein-energy malnutrition since it has a circulating half life of 2 days and reacts swiftly to changes in nutritional status.

CDC123 is a member of the CDC123 family. CDC123is required for S phase entry of the cell cycle. It is also broadly expressed in spleen,thymus, prostate, testis, ovary, small intestine, colon and leukocytes with the uppermost expression in testis.

Thyroid Hormone Receptor Interactor 10 (TRIP10) is a part of the F-BAR family of proteins which is expressed in a variety of tissues, including kidney, brain, liver, lung, heart and pancreas. The F-BAR family of proteins contains an N-terminal, alpha-helical, region which is hydrophobic and related to the Bin Amphiphysin Rvs (BAR) protein family. TRIP10 is vital for the coordination of membrane tubulation with Actin cytoskeletal reorganization during endocytosis.

Shiga-like toxin (verotoxin) is a toxin produced by some strains of Escherichia coli. Shiga-like toxin is named for its similarity to the AB5-type Shiga toxin produced by the bacteria Shigella dysenteriae. There are two known types-SLT1 and SLT2. The Shiga-like toxin is linked with hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Shiga-like toxin requires highly specific receptors on the cells' surface in order to attach and enter the cell. Species such as cattle, swine, and deer which do not carry these receptors may harbor toxigenic bacteria without any ill effect, dropping them in their feces, from where they may be distributed to humans. Shiga Like Toxin-1 Subunit B has nontoxic action, it is the functional region which binds to the receptor. The Shiga Like Toxin-1 Subunit B can be useful in vaccine study, antibody test and other functional research.

Members of the Rho (or ARH) protein family and other Ras-related small GTP-binding proteins are involved in various cellular procedures, such as cell cytoskeletal organization, secretion, proliferation, and signaling. The GTPBPs are active only in the GTP-bound state. At least 3 types of proteins firmly regulate cycling between the GTP-bound and GDP-bound states: GDP-dissociation inhibitors (GDIs), GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide-releasing factors (GRFs). ARHGDIB and the other GDIs lower the level of GDP dissociation from Ras-like GTPases.

Shiga-like toxin (verotoxin) is a toxin produced by some strains of Escherichia coli. Shiga-like toxin is named for its similarity to the AB5-type Shiga toxin produced by the bacteria Shigella dysenteriae. There are two known types-SLT1 and SLT2. The Shiga-like toxin is linked with hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Shiga-like toxin requires highly specific receptors on the cells'' surface in order to attach and enter the cell. Species such as cattle, swine, and deer which do not carry these receptors may harbor toxigenic bacteria without any ill effect, dropping them in their feces, from where they may be distributed to humans. Shiga Like Toxin-1 Subunit B has nontoxic action, it is the functional region which binds to the receptor. The Shiga Like Toxin-1 Subunit B can be useful in vaccine study, antibody test and other functional research.

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex, Component X, also known as PDHX, encodes the E3 binding protein subunit of the PDH complex which contains 3 catalytic subunits. PDHX tethers E3 dimers to the E2 core of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes of eukaryotes. This specific binding is critical for a functional PDH complex.

Thyroglobulin (TG) represents one of the main autoantigenic targets in autoimmune thyroid disease of humans. TG is a large globular dimeric glycoprotein with a total molecular weight of 660 kDa, which occupies a key precursor role in the biosynthesis of the thyroid hormones. Approximately 75% of the total protein content of the thyroid follicle consists of TG. The thyroid gland uses the Thyroglobulin in order to produce the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroglobulin is produced by the thyroid epithelial cells (thyrocytes) which form spherical follicles. Thyroglobulin is subsequently secreted and stored in the follicular lumen.
Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, frequently develop antibodies against Thyroglobulin. Tg-specific antibodies help in the diagnosis of the above diseases, however they also may be present in apparently healthy euthyroid individuals. Blood Thyroglobulin levels can be used as a tumor marker for certain kinds of thyroid cancer, and the may also be elevated in cases of Graves' disease.

TBE is caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the family Flaviviridae.
A closely related virus in Far Eastern Eurasia, Russian spring-summer encephalitis virus (RSSEV).
The family Flaviviridae includes other tick-borne viruses are closely related to TBEV and RSSEV, such as Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus & Kyasanur Forest virus.
Louping ill virus is also a member of this family.