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S100B Protein, A Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Protein in the Brain and Heart, and Beyond

Guglielmo Sorci1, Roberta Bianchi, Francesca Riuzzi

  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy.

Cardiovascular Psychiatry and Neurology
|September 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

S100B protein acts as both an intracellular regulator and extracellular signal, influencing cell functions in the brain and heart. Its dual role impacts neuronal survival, cell proliferation, and responses to injury depending on its concentration.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • S100B is a calcium-binding protein abundant in the brain.
  • It interacts with intracellular targets and is released with RAGE.
  • S100B functions both intracellularly and extracellularly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of S100B protein.
  • To investigate S100B's impact on cellular processes in the brain and heart.
  • To understand S100B's concentration-dependent effects.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of S100B's intracellular regulatory functions.
  • Investigation of S100B's extracellular signaling pathways.
  • Examination of S100B's effects in neuronal and cardiac cells.

Main Results:

  • Intracellularly, S100B modulates phosphorylation, metabolism, cytoskeleton, Ca(2+) homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation.
  • Extracellularly, low S100B protects neurons, stimulates outgrowth, and regulates glial responses.
  • High S100B induces neuronal death, cardiomyocyte death, and affects endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions:

  • S100B exhibits distinct intracellular and extracellular functions.
  • Its biological effects are concentration-dependent, with dual roles in neuronal and cardiac tissues.
  • S100B acts as a critical regulator in both physiological and pathological conditions.

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