Functional and pathological relevance of HERC family proteins: a decade later

Susana Sánchez-Tena1, Monica Cubillos-Rojas1, Taiane Schneider1

  • 1Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques II, Campus de Bellvitge, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain.

Insights

The HERC gene family, crucial for cell functions like neurodevelopment and DNA repair, has six human members. This review details their roles and implications in diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The HERC gene family encodes proteins with HECT and RCC1-like domains (RLD).
  • Six human HERC members exist, categorized into large (HERC1, HERC2) and small (HERC3-6) based on mass and domain structure.
  • HERC proteins are implicated in neurodevelopment, DNA repair, cell growth, and immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review of HERC protein functionality.
  • To integrate current knowledge on HERC functions.
  • To detail the implications of HERC dysfunction in human diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advances in HERC research.
  • Analysis of HERC protein domain structures and classifications.
  • Synthesis of functional data and disease associations.

Main Results:

  • Detailed overview of HERC protein structures and classifications.
  • Comprehensive summary of HERC roles in fundamental cellular processes.
  • Exploration of HERC involvement in cancer and neurological disorders.

Conclusions:

  • HERC proteins are vital for numerous cellular functions.
  • Dysregulation of HERC genes is linked to significant human diseases.
  • An updated understanding of HERC family is crucial for future research and therapeutic development.

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