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Updated: May 18, 2026

Cell-Type Specific Protein Purification and Identification from Complex Tissues Using a Mutant Methionine tRNA Synthetase Mouse Line
Published on: April 13, 2022
MASL1: a neglected ROCO protein
1Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, U.K. s.dihanich@ucl.ac.uk
Abstract:
The human ROCO proteins are a family of four proteins characterized by a conserved supradomain: a Ras-like GTPase domain. This domain consists of ROC (Ras of complex proteins) occurring in tandem with a COR (C-terminal of ROC) domain. Together, these proteins are linked to various pathologies including cancer and PD (Parkinson's disease). Despite an increasing research focus on these proteins, their functions in general, and their specific roles in disease, are still unknown. In the case of MASL1 (malignant fibrous histiocytoma amplified sequences with leucine-rich tandem repeats 1), a predicted oncoprotein in MFHs (malignant fibrous histiocytomas), there is a particular lack of information available in the literature. The aim of the present review is therefore to summarize the existing information on MASL1 and also to compile data that could be linked to MASL1 and thus help our understanding of this neglected ROCO protein.
Insights
Human ROCO proteins, including MASL1, are linked to diseases like cancer and Parkinson's. This review compiles current knowledge on MASL1, a potential oncoprotein, to aid understanding of this understudied ROCO protein.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- ROCO proteins, characterized by ROC-COR domains, are implicated in various pathologies.
- Despite their disease relevance, the specific functions of ROCO proteins remain largely unknown.
- MASL1 (malignant fibrous histiocytoma amplified sequences with leucine-rich tandem repeats 1) is a predicted oncoprotein in malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFHs) with limited literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and consolidate existing information on the MASL1 protein.
- To compile data potentially related to MASL1 function and its role in disease.
- To enhance the understanding of this under-researched ROCO protein.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and data compilation.
- Analysis of existing research on ROCO proteins and MASL1.
- Synthesis of information to identify knowledge gaps and potential research directions.
Main Results:
- MASL1 is a ROCO protein with a conserved Ras-like GTPase domain (ROC-COR).
- MASL1 is associated with malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFHs).
- Significant gaps exist in the understanding of MASL1's specific functions and disease mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- MASL1 is a neglected ROCO protein with potential implications in cancer.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate MASL1's biological roles and therapeutic potential.
- Consolidating current knowledge is a vital step towards understanding MASL1's contribution to disease.
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