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Do longevity assurance genes containing Hox domains regulate cell development via ceramide synthesis?
Krishnan Venkataraman1, Anthony H Futerman
1Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
FEBS Letters
|September 26, 2002
Summary
A newly identified gene family with a longevity assurance gene (Lag1p) motif includes over 40 transmembrane proteins. Some members regulate ceramide synthesis, a key lipid messenger, suggesting broader roles in cellular processes and development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- A gene family characterized by the longevity assurance gene (Lag1p) motif has been identified.
- This family comprises over 40 transmembrane proteins.
- Two family members are known to regulate ceramide synthesis, a crucial lipid second messenger.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a gene family containing the longevity assurance gene (Lag1p) motif.
- To explore the potential roles of other family members in cellular processes and development.
Main Methods:
- Database searches were conducted to identify members of the gene family.
- Literature review was performed to understand the known functions of ceramide and related proteins.
Main Results:
- Over 40 members of this transmembrane protein family were identified.
- Two members of the family have been shown to regulate ceramide synthesis.
- Some family members possess a Hox domain, suggesting potential regulatory functions.
Conclusions:
- The identified gene family is extensive, with over 40 members.
- The regulation of ceramide synthesis by some family members points to their involvement in cellular signaling.
- The presence of Hox domains in some members suggests a role in developmental regulation, potentially linking longevity assurance genes to developmental processes.