This gene encodes one of seven subunits of the human Arp2/3 protein complex. The Arp2/3 protein complex has been implicated in the control of actin polymerization in cells and has been conserved through evolution. The exact role of the protein encoded by this gene, the p34 subunit, has yet to be determined. Two alternatively spliced variants have been characterized to date. Additional alternatively spliced variants have been described but their full length nature has not been determined. [prov
In contrast to the rapid early-onset weight gain seen in ob/ob mice (1-3), mutations in the tub gene lead to obesity gradually and strongly resemble late-onset obesity as seen in the human population (4). In addition to excessive deposition of adipose tissue, mice with the tub phenotype also suffer retinal degeneration and neurosensory hearing loss (4-6). The tripartite character of tubby phenotype is strikingly similar to human obesity syndromes such as Alstr鰉 (5) and Bardet-Biedl (6). A c
The features of hemochromatosis include cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, hypermelanotic pigmentation of the skin, and heart failure. Since hemochromatosis is a relatively easily treated disorder if diagnosed, this is a form of preventable cancer. The HFE protein, which is defective in hereditary hemo-chromatosis, normally is expressed in crypt enterocytes of the duodenum where it has a unique, predominantly intracellular localization. In placenta, the HFE protein co-localizes with and forms
NCF4 is a cytosolic oxidase associated protein. It is a component of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, which mediates down regulation of NADPH oxidase through interactions with its SH3 domain. NCF4 is associated with p67 phox but is absent in patients with chronic granulomatous disease who lack p67 phox.
The MAPEG (Membrane Associated Proteins in Eicosanoid and Glutathione metabolism) family consists of six human proteins, two of which are involved in the production of leukotrienes and prostaglandin E, important mediators of inflammation. Other family members, demonstrating glutathione S-transferase and peroxidase activities, are involved in cellular defense against toxic, carcinogenic, and pharmacologically active electrophilic compounds. This gene encodes a protein that catalyzes the conj