KLLN : killin, p53 regulated DNA replication inhibitor
Killin: The Guardian of Cellular Stability and Tumor Suppression
Description
The KLLN gene is a guardian of cellular health and stability. It provides instructions for constructing killin, a protein that plays a critical role in apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death. When cells become damaged or unnecessary, killin triggers their self-destruction to prevent the formation of abnormal cell growth. This function establishes killin as a formidable tumor suppressor.
Associated Diseases
Defects in the KLLN gene have been linked to several diseases, including:
- Cancer: Killin‘s role in apoptosis is essential for preventing uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development. Mutations in KLLN can impair its function, leading to an increased risk of various types of cancer.
- Neurodegenerative disorders: Killin has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson‘s and Alzheimer‘s, where it plays a protective role against neuronal damage.
Did you Know ?
Approximately 5-10% of all cancers are estimated to result from defects in apoptosis-related genes, highlighting the critical importance of killin in tumor suppression.