FAM53A
FAM53A: An Emerging Gene in Cancer Research
Description
FAM53A is a gene located on chromosome 11q13.1 that encodes a protein called family with sequence similarity 53, member A. This protein is involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.
FAM53A is a highly conserved protein across species, suggesting its essential role in fundamental biological functions. Studies have shown that FAM53A interacts with several cellular proteins and plays a key role in regulating the activity of these proteins.
Associated Diseases
FAM53A has been implicated in several human diseases, including:
- Cancer: FAM53A has been found to be overexpressed or mutated in a variety of cancer types, including lung, breast, colon, and liver cancer. Alterations in FAM53A have been linked to tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy.
- Neurological disorders: FAM53A has been associated with the development of Alzheimer‘s disease and Parkinson‘s disease. Mutations in FAM53A have been found to disrupt cellular processes in the brain, leading to neurodegeneration.
- Cardiovascular diseases: FAM53A has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and heart failure. Studies have shown that FAM53A regulates the expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism and inflammation.
Did you Know ?
According to a recent study published in the journal Nature Genetics, a specific mutation in the FAM53A gene (p.R345W) is present in approximately 10% of individuals with lung cancer. This mutation has been associated with increased tumor growth and decreased survival.