PPP6R3
The ppp6r3 Gene: An Intriguing Player in Human Health and Disease
Description
The ppp6r3 gene, located on the 11q13.3 chromosome, encodes a protein called protein phosphatase 6 regulatory subunit 3 (PPP6R3). This protein plays a crucial role in cellular processes such as cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. PPP6R3 regulates the activity of protein phosphatase 6 (PP6), an enzyme that dephosphorylates and inactivates various target proteins.
Associated Diseases
Mutations in the ppp6r3 gene have been linked to several human diseases, including:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Mutations in ppp6r3 are frequently observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), where they promote cancer cell growth and invasion.
- Lung cancer: ppp6r3 mutations have also been identified in lung cancer, where they are associated with increased tumor size and metastasis.
- Leukemia: In certain types of leukemia, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), ppp6r3 mutations contribute to disease progression by impairing cell differentiation.
Did you Know ?
In a study of patients with HNSCC, researchers found that mutations in ppp6r3 were present in approximately 30% of cases. This high frequency highlights the gene's significant role in this type of cancer.