Regulator of G-protein signaling 18 is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respon ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''RGS18''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "... Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a b ...
.
Function
This gene encodes a member of the regulator of G-protein signaling family. This protein contains a conserved 120 amino acid motif called the RGS domain. The protein attenuates the signaling activity of G-proteins by binding to activated, GTP-bound G alpha subunits and acting as a GTPase activating protein (GAP), increasing the rate of conversion of the GTP to GDP. This hydrolysis allows the G alpha subunits to bind G beta/gamma subunit heterodimers, forming inactive G-protein heterotrimers, thereby terminating the signal. Alternate transcriptional splice variants of this gene have been observed but have not been thoroughly characterized.
Clinical significance
Several ''RGS18''
allele
An allele (, ; ; modern formation from Greek ἄλλος ''állos'', "other") is a variation of the same sequence of nucleotides at the same place on a long DNA molecule, as described in leading textbooks on genetics and evolution.
::"The chro ...
s that result in reduced ''RGS18'' expression are associated with the development of
atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a pattern of the disease arteriosclerosis in which the wall of the artery develops abnormalities, called lesions. These lesions may lead to narrowing due to the buildup of atheromatous plaque. At onset there are usually ...
.
Two
single nucleotide polymorphisms in the RGS18 gene that interfere with binding of ''
GATA1
GATA-binding factor 1 or GATA-1 (also termed Erythroid transcription factor) is the founding member of the GATA family of transcription factors. This protein is widely expressed throughout vertebrate species. In humans and mice, it is encoded by ...
'' and ''
NFE2'' transcription factors result in decreased expression of RGS18. RSG18
Knockout mice
A knockout mouse, or knock-out mouse, is a genetically modified mouse (''Mus musculus'') in which researchers have inactivated, or " knocked out", an existing gene by replacing it or disrupting it with an artificial piece of DNA. They are importan ...
display an exaggerated platelet reactivity which in turn increases risk of developing atherosclerosis. A minor allele of ''RSG18'' is associated with the appearance of
thrombotic
Thrombosis (from Ancient Greek "clotting") is the formation of a Thrombus, blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. When a blood vessel (a vein or an artery) is injured, the body uses plate ...
phenomena in a
cohort of European-American and African-American patients.
Interactions
RGS18 has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizat ...
with
GNAI3
Guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(k) subunit alpha is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''GNAI3'' gene.
Interactions
GNAI3 has been shown to interact with:
* RGS10
* RGS12,
* RGS14,
* RGS16,
* RGS18,
* RGS19,
* RGS5,
* ...
.
References
Further reading
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