C-jun-amino-terminal kinase-interacting protein 4 is a
scaffold protein
In biology, scaffold proteins are crucial regulators of many key signalling pathways. Although scaffolds are not strictly defined in function, they are known to interact and/or bind with multiple members of a signalling pathway, tethering them in ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''SPAG9''
gene
In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...
.
Function
Extracellular signals are transduced into cells through mitogen-activated protein kinases. The structural organization of these kinases into specific signaling domains is facilitated by scaffolding proteins involved in closely tethering different kinases so that successive phosphorylation events can occur. The protein encoded by this gene is a scaffolding protein that brings together mitogen-activated protein kinases and their transcription factor targets for the activation of specific signaling pathways. This gene which is abundantly expressed in testicular haploid germ cells encodes a protein that is recognized by sperm-agglutinating antibodies and implicated in infertility.
Clinical significance
SPAG9 is a potential biomarker for early
cervical carcinomabladder cancer
Bladder cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the bladder. These cells can grow to form a tumor, which eventually spreads, damaging the bladder and other organs. Most people with bladder cancer are diagnosed after noticing blood in thei ...
,
and
lung cancer
Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that begins in the lung. Lung cancer is caused by genetic damage to the DNA of cells in the airways, often caused by cigarette smoking or inhaling damaging chemicals. Damaged ...
.
Interactions
SPAG9 has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advocating for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organization was founded in 2006 and fo ...
with
MAX
Max or MAX may refer to:
Animals
* Max (American dog) (1983–2013), at one time purported to be the world's oldest living dog
* Max (British dog), the first pet dog to win the PDSA Order of Merit (animal equivalent of the OBE)
* Max (gorilla) ...
.
References
Further reading
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