Related Experiment Videos
Necdin: a multi functional protein with potential tumor suppressor role?
Emma J Chapman1, Margaret A Knowles
1Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Section of Experimental Oncology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Molecular Carcinogenesis
|July 24, 2009
Summary
Necdin (NDN) protein, linked to Prader-Willi syndrome, shows diverse functions. Evidence suggests NDN may act as a tumor suppressor, impacting cancer development and potentially offering new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Necdin (NDN) is a MAGE family protein identified in differentiating stem cells.
- The NDN gene is located on chromosome 15q11, an imprinted region associated with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).
- NDN's role in neuronal development is established, but other functions, including potential roles in tumorigenesis, are increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting the hypothesis that Necdin (NDN) possesses tumor suppressor functions.
- To explore the diverse roles of NDN beyond its known functions in neuronal development.
- To highlight NDN's potential as a biomarker for PWS patients and a novel cancer therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on Necdin (NDN).
- Analysis of NDN's involvement in key cellular processes like p53 and E2F-1 interaction, stem cell quiescence, and angiogenesis.
- Discussion of NDN's interaction with the polycomb group gene BMI1 and its implications for transcriptional repression.
Main Results:
- NDN downregulation is observed in various carcinoma cell lines and primary tumors, suggesting a tumor suppressor role.
- NDN participates in critical cellular functions, including hematopoietic stem cell quiescence and regulation of angiogenesis.
- NDN interacts with key regulatory proteins such as p53, E2F-1, and BMI1, influencing cellular differentiation and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Necdin (NDN) exhibits pleiotropic functions, with significant evidence pointing towards a tumor suppressor role.
- Further investigation into NDN's tumor suppressor capabilities could have implications for PWS patient monitoring.
- NDN represents a potential novel target for cancer therapeutics.
Related Concept Videos
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
02:34Inhibition of Cdk Activity
The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
02:34Inhibition of CDK Activity
The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...