WWOX
WWOX: A Guardian of Genomic Stability and Disease Prevention
Description
WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is a protein with diverse functions that play a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability, preventing disease, and regulating metabolism. WWOX is primarily known for its involvement in DNA repair mechanisms and epigenetic regulation. It acts as a tumor suppressor gene, protecting against the development of cancer, and it also helps prevent neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders.
Associated Diseases
- Cancer: WWOX loss or mutation is associated with various types of cancer, including leukemia, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. It inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by suppressing oncogene expression and promoting tumor cell apoptosis.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Reduced WWOX expression is linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer‘s disease and Parkinson‘s disease. WWOX plays a role in mitochondrial function and oxidative stress resistance, which are impaired in these diseases.
- Metabolic Disorders: WWOX has recently been implicated in metabolic regulation. Its deficiency can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Did you Know ?
WWOX loss or mutation is found in approximately 30% of human cancers, highlighting its importance as a tumor suppressor gene.
