ST5
The ST5 Gene: A Comprehensive Guide
Description
The ST5 gene, also known as the suppressor of tumorigenicity 5 gene, plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Located on chromosome 11q23.3, it encodes a protein called ST5, which is involved in a diverse range of cellular processes, including:
- Cell cycle regulation: ST5 is a key component of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), a multi-protein complex that targets proteins for degradation during cell division. By ensuring the orderly progression through different stages of the cell cycle, ST5 prevents genomic instability and uncontrolled cell proliferation.
- Ubiquitination: ST5 functions as an ubiquitin ligase, attaching the small protein ubiquitin to target proteins. Ubiquitination marks proteins for degradation by the proteasome, a cellular machinery that breaks down and recycles damaged or unneeded proteins.
- Apoptosis: ST5 is implicated in apoptosis, or programmed cell death, a crucial process for removing damaged or unwanted cells. It promotes apoptosis by facilitating the degradation of anti-apoptotic proteins and activating pro-apoptotic signaling pathways.
Associated Diseases
Mutations or dysregulation of the ST5 gene have been linked to several human diseases, including:
- Cancer: Aberrations in ST5 expression or function have been observed in various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. These alterations can promote tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy.
- Immunodeficiency: Mutations in ST5 have been associated with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a rare genetic disorder characterized by a weakened immune system.
- Neurological disorders: Studies suggest that disrupted ST5 expression may contribute to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Did you Know ?
Inactivating mutations in the ST5 gene are present in approximately 10-20% of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood cancer. This highlights the significant role of ST5 in maintaining normal cell function and preventing malignant transformation.
