NDRG4
Description
The NDRG4 (NDRG family member 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 16.
NDRG4 is a protein encoded by the NDRG4 gene in humans. It belongs to the N-myc downregulated gene family, which is part of the alpha/beta hydrolase superfamily. NDRG4 is found in the cytoplasm and may be involved in regulating cell growth signals in smooth muscle cells. Different versions of the NDRG4 gene have been found, but the full structure of some of these variants is not yet known.
NDRG4 contributes to maintaining normal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. This is essential for spatial learning and protecting neurons from death caused by lack of blood flow. NDRG4 may also increase the activity of ERK1 and ERK2, important proteins involved in cell growth and survival, in response to growth factors like PDGF and FGF. Additionally, NDRG4 might reduce the activation of ELK1, another protein involved in cell growth, in response to nerve growth factor (NGF), potentially through interactions with microtubules.
NDRG4 is also known as BDM1, SMAP-8, SMAP8.
