ELMSAN1
Elmsan1: An Essential Protein with Versatile Roles in Immunity and Disease
Description
Elmsan1 (human cytosolic protein with an EF hand 1) is a protein found in the cytoplasm of cells. It belongs to the EF-hand family of proteins, which are characterized by their ability to bind calcium ions. Elmsan1 contains two EF-hand domains and is involved in various cellular processes, including calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and immune regulation.
Molecular Structure and Function
Elmsan1 is a 20 kDa protein with a molecular structure consisting of an N-terminal extended arm followed by two EF-hand domains. The N-terminal arm is responsible for calcium binding, while the EF-hand domains act as calcium sensors. Elmsan1 can bind to both calcium and magnesium ions, with a higher affinity for calcium.
Upon calcium binding, Elmsan1 undergoes conformational changes that expose its hydrophobic binding pocket. This allows Elmsan1 to interact with target proteins and regulate their activity. Elmsan1 has been shown to interact with several proteins, including the calcium-dependent serine protease calpain, the E3 ubiquitin ligase Mdm2, and the transcription factor NF-κB.
Role in Immunity
Elmsan1 plays a critical role in the innate immune response. It is involved in the regulation of cytokine production, immune cell activation, and phagocytosis. Elmsan1 has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, while promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10.
In phagocytes, Elmsan1 facilitates the engulfment and killing of pathogens. It is involved in the formation of the phagocytic cup and the release of antimicrobial peptides. Elmsan1 also plays a role in the adaptive immune response by regulating the maturation and activation of dendritic cells.
Associated Diseases
Dysregulation of Elmsan1 has been linked to several diseases, including:
- Cancer: Elmsan1 has been shown to regulate the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. Increased expression of Elmsan1 is associated with poor prognosis in several types of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Elmsan1 is involved in the regulation of neuronal survival and function. Reduced expression of Elmsan1 has been observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
- Autoimmune diseases: Elmsan1 plays a role in the regulation of immune tolerance. Dysregulation of Elmsan1 can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Did you Know ?
- Elmsan1 is expressed in all human tissues, with the highest expression levels found in the liver, kidneys, and immune cells.
