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Published on: February 24, 2021
NUCKS: a potential biomarker in cancer and metabolic disease
Beiying Qiu1, Weiping Han2, Vinay Tergaonkar1
1*Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 138673, Singapore.
Abstract:
Nuclear, casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate (NUCKS), a protein similar to the HMG (high-mobility group) protein family, is one of the most modified proteins in the mammalian proteome. Although very little is known about the biological roles of NUCKS, emerging clinical evidence suggests that this protein can be a biomarker and therapeutic target in various human ailments, including several types of cancer. An inverse correlation between NUCKS protein levels and body mass index in humans has also been observed. Depletion of NUCKS in mice has been reported to lead to obesity and impaired glucose homoeostasis. Genome-wide genomic and proteomic approaches have revealed that NUCKS is a chromatin regulator that affects transcription. The time is now ripe for further understanding of the role of this novel biomarker of cancer and the metabolic syndrome, and how its sundry modifications can affect its function. Such studies could reveal how NUCKS could be a link between physiological cues and human ailments.
Insights
Nuclear, casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate (NUCKS) is a highly modified protein linked to cancer and metabolic syndrome. Understanding NUCKS modifications may reveal its role in human diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Nuclear, casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate (NUCKS) is a highly modified protein, similar to high-mobility group proteins.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding NUCKS' biological functions.
- NUCKS is implicated as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancers and metabolic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the biological roles of NUCKS.
- To investigate the link between NUCKS modifications and its function.
- To understand NUCKS' connection to physiological cues and human diseases.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide genomic and proteomic analyses.
- Investigating NUCKS protein levels and their correlation with body mass index.
- Studying the effects of NUCKS depletion in mouse models.
Main Results:
- NUCKS acts as a chromatin regulator influencing gene transcription.
- Observed inverse correlation between NUCKS levels and body mass index in humans.
- NUCKS depletion in mice resulted in obesity and impaired glucose homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- NUCKS is a novel biomarker for cancer and metabolic syndrome.
- Further research into NUCKS modifications is crucial for understanding its function and therapeutic potential.
- NUCKS may serve as a bridge between physiological states and human ailments.
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