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Related Concept Videos

Translation01:31

Translation

Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation01:31

Translation

Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Mutations01:39

Mutations

Overview
Mechanical Protein Functions01:58

Mechanical Protein Functions

Proteins perform many mechanical functions in a cell. These proteins can be classified into two general categories- proteins that generate mechanical forces and proteins that are subjected to mechanical forces. Proteins providing mechanical support to the structure of the cell, such as keratin, are subjected to mechanical force, whereas proteins involved in cell movement and transport of molecules across cell membranes, such as an ion pump, are examples of generating mechanical force. 
Mechanical Protein Function01:58

Mechanical Protein Function

Proteins perform many mechanical functions in a cell. These proteins can be classified into two general categories- proteins that generate mechanical forces and proteins that are subjected to mechanical forces. Proteins providing mechanical support to the structure of the cell, such as keratin, are subjected to mechanical force, whereas proteins involved in cell movement and transport of molecules across cell membranes, such as an ion pump, are examples of generating mechanical force. 
Protein Complexes with Interchangeable Parts01:57

Protein Complexes with Interchangeable Parts

Groups of proteins may form a complex where each protein in this complex has a different role in the overall execution of the complex’s function. Often some of the proteins in the complex can be replaced by a closely related variant to give a complex that contains many of the same components yet is functionally distinct.
The SCF ubiquitin ligase is a protein complex of five individual proteins. This complex attaches ubiquitin to other target proteins to mark them for degradation. In order to...

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Mapping Dysfunctional Protein-Protein Interactions in Disease
09:39

Mapping Dysfunctional Protein-Protein Interactions in Disease

Published on: October 24, 2025

Proteins with neomorphic moonlighting functions in disease.

Constance J Jeffery1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA. cjeffery@uic.edu

IUBMB Life
|June 24, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Proteins can gain new, abnormal functions through mutations or conformational changes, termed "neomorphic moonlighting functions." These altered protein functions are linked to severe diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Genes can encode multiple protein functions through mechanisms like RNA splicing and gene fusions.
  • Multifunctional proteins typically have multiple 'normal' functions.
  • Some proteins acquire a second, non-normal function due to mutations or conformational changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and define the concept of 'neomorphic moonlighting functions'.
  • To highlight examples of proteins with neomorphic moonlighting functions and their disease associations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing case studies.
  • Identification of specific mutations and conformational changes leading to new protein functions.

Main Results:

  • Neomorphic moonlighting functions arise from mutations or conformational changes, not normal biological processes.
  • Common examples include protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) and systemic amyloidoses.
  • Other examples involve altered gene transcription (SMAD4 mutations), new catalytic activity (isocitrate dehydrogenase isoforms), and protease activity (dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase).

Conclusions:

  • Neomorphic moonlighting functions are linked to severe diseases, including cancers and neurological impairments.
  • The precise mechanisms by which these new functions cause disease are often unknown.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the disease-causing pathways of neomorphic moonlighting functions.