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Published on: August 15, 2019
Genetic alterations of δ-catenin/NPRAP/Neurojungin (CTNND2): functional implications in complex human diseases
Qun Lu1,2,3, Byron J Aguilar4, Mingchuan Li4,5
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA. luq@ecu.edu.
Abstract:
Some genes involved in complex human diseases are particularly vulnerable to genetic variations such as single nucleotide polymorphism, copy number variations, and mutations. For example, Ras mutations account for over 30 % of all human cancers. Additionally, there are some genes that can display different variations with functional impact in different diseases that are unrelated. One such gene stands out: δ-catenin/NPRAP/Neurojungin with gene designation as CTNND2 on chromosome 5p15.2. Recent advances in genome wide association as well as molecular biology approaches have uncovered striking involvement of δ-catenin gene variations linked to complex human disorders. These disorders include cancer, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, Cri-du-chat syndrome, myopia, cortical cataract-linked Alzheimer's disease, and infectious diseases. This list has rapidly grown longer in recent years, underscoring the pivotal roles of δ-catenin in critical human diseases. δ-Catenin is an adhesive junction-associated protein in the delta subfamily of the β-catenin superfamily. δ-Catenin functions in Wnt signaling to regulate gene expression and modulate Rho GTPases of the Ras superfamily in cytoskeletal reorganization. δ-Catenin likely lies where Wnt signaling meets Rho GTPases and is a unique and vulnerable common target for mutagenesis in different human diseases.
Insights
Genetic variations in the CTNND2 gene, encoding delta-catenin, are linked to numerous complex human diseases, including cancers and neurological disorders. This highlights CTNND2 as a vulnerable common target for mutations across various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Human Diseases
Background:
- Complex human diseases often involve genetic variations like mutations and copy number variations.
- The CTNND2 gene, encoding delta-catenin, has emerged as a significant player in various unrelated disorders.
- Delta-catenin is an adhesive junction protein involved in Wnt signaling and cytoskeletal regulation via Rho GTPases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant role of CTNND2 gene variations in complex human diseases.
- To underscore delta-catenin as a common and vulnerable target for mutagenesis.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide association studies.
- Molecular biology approaches.
- Analysis of genetic variations and their functional impact.
Main Results:
- CTNND2 variations are linked to a growing list of complex human disorders.
- These disorders include various cancers, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and others.
- Delta-catenin's position at the intersection of Wnt signaling and Rho GTPases makes it a key regulatory point.
Conclusions:
- The CTNND2 gene is critically involved in a wide spectrum of human diseases.
- Understanding CTNND2's role offers insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
- Delta-catenin represents a unique convergence point for genetic vulnerabilities in human health.
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