|
Metastasis Suppressor
A metastasis suppressor is a protein that acts to slow or prevent metastases (secondary tumors) from spreading in the body of an organism with cancer. Metastasis is one of the most lethal cancer processes. This process is responsible for about ninety percent of human cancer deaths. Proteins that act to slow or prevent metastases are different from those that act to suppress tumor growth. Genes for about a dozen such proteins are known in humans and other animals. Background The treatment of cancer usually aims to destroy and/or stop the growth of the primary tumor. Major improvements in the methods of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have taken place, but corresponding improvements in patient survival have not always followed. Treatments that focus on the primary cancer typically do not address metastasis. Metastasis suppressors act by different mechanisms than tumor suppressors and do not affect primary tumors. Tumor suppressors, however, also inhibit metastasis, since meta ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Metastases
Metastasis is a pathogenic agent's spread from an initial or primary site to a different or secondary site within the host's body; the term is typically used when referring to metastasis by a cancerous tumor. The newly pathological sites, then, are metastases (mets). It is generally distinguished from cancer invasion, which is the direct extension and penetration by cancer cells into neighboring tissues. Cancer occurs after cells are genetically altered to proliferate rapidly and indefinitely. This uncontrolled proliferation by mitosis produces a primary heterogeneic tumour. The cells which constitute the tumor eventually undergo metaplasia, followed by dysplasia then anaplasia, resulting in a malignant phenotype. This malignancy allows for invasion into the circulation, followed by invasion to a second site for tumorigenesis. Some cancer cells known as circulating tumor cells acquire the ability to penetrate the walls of lymphatic or blood vessels, after which they are abl ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
BRMS1
Breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''BRMS1'' gene. This gene reduces the metastatic potential, but not the tumorogenicity, of human breast cancer and melanoma cell lines. The protein encoded by this gene localizes primarily to the nucleus, and is a component of the mSin3a family of histone deacetylase complexes (HDAC). The protein contains two coiled-coil motifs and several imperfect leucine zipper motifs. Alternative splicing results in two transcript variants encoding different isoform A protein isoform, or "protein variant", is a member of a set of highly similar proteins that originate from a single gene or gene family and are the result of genetic differences. While many perform the same or similar biological roles, some isof ...s. References External links * Further reading * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * {{gene-11-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Endothelin 1
Endothelin 1 (ET-1), also known as preproendothelin-1 (PPET1), is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells. The protein encoded by this gene ''EDN1'' is proteolytically processed to release endothelin 1. Endothelin 1 is one of three isoforms of human endothelin. Sources Preproendothelin is precursor of the peptide ET-1. Endothelial cells convert preproendothelin to proendothelin and subsequently to mature endothelin, which the cells release. Clinical significance Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (Bosentan) are used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Use of these antagonists prevents pulmonary arterial constriction and thus inhibits pulmonary hypertension. As of 2020, the role of endothelin-1 in affecting lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in obesity mechanisms was under clinical research Clinical research is a branch of healthcare science that determines the safety and effectiveness ( efficacy) of medications, devices ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Gap Junction
Gap junctions are specialized intercellular connections between a multitude of animal cell-types. They directly connect the cytoplasm of two cells, which allows various molecules, ions and electrical impulses to directly pass through a regulated gate between cells. One gap junction channel is composed of two protein hexamers (or hemichannels) called connexons in vertebrates and innexons in invertebrates. The hemichannel pair connect across the intercellular space bridging the gap between two cells. Gap junctions are analogous to the plasmodesmata that join plant cells. Gap junctions occur in virtually all tissues of the body, with the exception of adult fully developed skeletal muscle and mobile cell types such as sperm or erythrocytes. Gap junctions are not found in simpler organisms such as sponges and slime molds. A gap junction may also be called a ''nexus'' or ''macula communicans''. While an ephapse has some similarities to a gap junction, by modern definition the two a ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Integrin
Integrins are transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion. Upon ligand binding, integrins activate signal transduction pathways that mediate cellular signals such as regulation of the cell cycle, organization of the intracellular cytoskeleton, and movement of new receptors to the cell membrane. The presence of integrins allows rapid and flexible responses to events at the cell surface (''e.g''. signal platelets to initiate an interaction with coagulation factors). Several types of integrins exist, and one cell generally has multiple different types on its surface. Integrins are found in all animals while integrin-like receptors are found in plant cells. Integrins work alongside other proteins such as cadherins, the immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules, selectins and syndecans, to mediate cell–cell and cell–matrix interaction. Ligands for integrins include fibronectin, vitronectin, collagen and laminin. Stru ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
MKK4
Dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ''MAP2K4'' gene. ''MAP2K4'' encodes a dual-specificity kinase that belongs to the Ser/Thr protein kinase family. MAP2K4 phosphorylates MAP kinases in response to various environmental stresses or mitogenic stimuli. MAPK8/JNK1, MAPK9/JNK2, and MAPK14/p38 are substrates for MAP2K4, but MAPK1/ERK2 and MAPK3/ERK1 are not phosphorylated by MAP2K4. Structurally, MAP2K4 contains a kinase domain that is phosphorylated and activated by MAP3K1(aka MEKK1). MAP2K4 contains multiple amino acid sites that are phosphorylated and ubiquitinated. Genetic studies using ''Map2k4'' knockout mice revealed embryonic lethality, impaired hepatogenesis and defective liver formation. Analysis of chimeric mice identified a role for ''Map2k4'' in T cell cytokine production and proliferation. ''Map2k4''-deficient chimeric mice frequently develop lymphadenopathy. MAP2K4 is altered in 1.97% of all hu ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine). Signs and symptoms may include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, and fatigue. Most colorectal cancers are due to old age and lifestyle factors, with only a small number of cases due to underlying genetic disorders. Risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Dietary factors that increase the risk include red meat, processed meat, and alcohol. Another risk factor is inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some of the inherited genetic disorders that can cause colorectal cancer include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer; however, these represent less than 5% of cases. It typically starts as a benign tumor, often in the form of a polyp, which over time becomes cancerous. ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Melanoma
Melanoma, also redundantly known as malignant melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Melanomas typically occur in the skin, but may rarely occur in the mouth, intestines, or eye (uveal melanoma). In women, they most commonly occur on the legs, while in men, they most commonly occur on the back. About 25% of melanomas develop from moles. Changes in a mole that can indicate melanoma include an increase in size, irregular edges, change in color, itchiness, or skin breakdown. The primary cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light (UV) exposure in those with low levels of the skin pigment melanin. The UV light may be from the sun or other sources, such as tanning devices. Those with many moles, a history of affected family members, and poor immune function are at greater risk. A number of rare genetic conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, also increase the risk. Diagnosis is by biopsy and analysis of any skin lesion ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinases
Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are specific endogenous protease inhibitors to the matrix metalloproteinases. There are four TIMPs; ''TIMP1'', ''TIMP2'', ''TIMP3'' and ''TIMP4''. TIMP3 has been observed progressively downregulated in Human papillomavirus-positive neoplastic keratinocytes derived from uterine cervical preneoplastic lesions at different levels of malignancy. For this reason, TIMP3 is likely to be associated with tumorigenesis and may be a potential prognostic marker for uterine cervical preneoplastic lesions progression. Overall, all MMPs are inhibited by TIMPs once they are activated but the gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9 Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), also known as 92 kDa type IV collagenase, 92 kDa gelatinase or gelatinase B (GELB), is a matrixin, a class of enzymes that belong to the zinc-metalloproteinases family involved in the degradation of the extracel ...) can form complexes with TIMPs when the enzymes are in the latent form. Th ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
NM23
Nucleoside diphosphate kinase A is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ''NME1'' gene. It is thought to be a metastasis suppressor. Function This gene (NME1) was identified because of its reduced mRNA transcript levels in highly metastatic cells. Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) exists as a hexamer composed of 'A' (encoded by this gene) and 'B' (encoded by NME2) isoforms. Mutations in this gene have been identified in aggressive neuroblastomas. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. Co-transcription of this gene and the neighboring downstream gene (NME2) generates naturally occurring transcripts (NME1-NME2), which encodes a fusion protein consisting of sequence sharing identity with each individual gene product. Interactions NME1 has been shown to interact with: * Aurora A kinase, * CD29 * NME3, * Protein SET, * RAR-related orphan receptor alpha, * RAR-related orphan receptor beta, and * TERF1. See also *Nucleos ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
KISS1
Kisspeptins (including kisspeptin-54 (KP-54), formerly known as metastin) are proteins encoded by the ''KISS1'' gene in humans. Kisspeptins are ligands of the G-protein coupled receptor, GPR54. ''Kiss1'' was originally identified as a human metastasis suppressor gene that has the ability to suppress melanoma and breast cancer metastasis. Kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling has an important role in initiating secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at puberty, the extent of which is an area of ongoing research. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is released from the hypothalamus to act on the anterior pituitary triggering the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These gonadotropic hormones lead to sexual maturation and gametogenesis. Disrupting GPR54 signaling can cause hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in rodents and humans. The Kiss1 gene is located on chromosome 1. It is transcribed in the brain, adrenal gland, and pancreas. History In 199 ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
SDPR
Cavin-2 or Serum deprivation-response protein (SDPR) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''SDPR'' gene. Cavin-2 is highly expressed in a variety of human endothelial cells. This gene encodes a calcium-independent phospholipid-binding protein whose expression increases in serum-starved cells. This protein has also been shown to be a substrate for protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation. Function Cavin-2 is required for blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) in humans and zebrafish and required also for the endothelial cell proliferation, migration and invasion in humans. Cavin-2 plays an important role in endothelial cell maintenance by regulating eNOS activity. Cavin-2 controls the generation of nitric oxide (NO) in human endothelial cells by controlling the activity and stability of the protein endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS). Secretion Cavin-2 is highly secreted from human endothelial cells (HUVEC), they are secreted through endothelial microparticles (E ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
