Editor's Choice: Researchers from Hopkins University have clarified the specific function of a protein that has long been thought to be associated with tumors in the nervous system. In this new research paper published in the September issue of Cell, researchers detailed the "matchmaking" activity of the Drosophila Merlin protein. Merlin's human analog NF2 is a known tumor suppressor protein that causes type II neurofibromas when NF2 is mutated. Fingerprint Pad,Pocket Fingerprint Pad,Automatic Oil Stamp Pad,Fingerprint Pocket Ink Pads Huhua Stationary Co., Ltd , https://www.huhuastamp.com
Researchers from Hopkins University have clarified the specific function of a protein that has long been thought to be associated with tumors in the nervous system. In this new research paper published in the September issue of Cell, researchers detailed the "matchmaking" activity of the Drosophila Merlin protein. Merlin's human analog NF2 is a known tumor suppressor protein that causes type II neurofibromas when NF2 is mutated.
Although researchers know that Merlin can affect the function of another protein, Hippo, the details of this relationship are not clear. Dr. Duojia Pan, professor of molecular biology and genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and researcher at the Howard Hughes Institute, said: "Now we know the mechanism by which Merlin and Hippo interactions initiate a series of events that control the growth of many tissues . Gaining this understanding is of great significance, because the abnormality of this series of events not only affects growth and development, they can also cause cancer and other tumors. "
Ten years ago, Pandoga and his research team discovered the Hippo gene, which ensures that all parts of the fruit fly's body are commensurate with its overall size. They named it Hippo because when this gene and the protein it encodes are deleted, it causes the fruit fly to develop an abnormally large organ. Since then, they have been working on understanding all the proteins in Hippo and the Hippo network.
In previous research, some other people have suggested that Merlin may be an integral part of the Hippo network, but they do not know how Merlin entered this network. In this new study, Pandoga and his research team combined genetics, cell biology, and biochemical methods to confirm that Merlin played the role of matchmaker, by binding and recruiting Hippo's target protein Warts to the right cells Part, to help Hippo find it.
Without Merlin nearby, inactive Warts will float around inside the cell's water sample, while Hippo will wait near the outer membrane of the cell. Merlin, who is also located near the outer membrane of the cell, contacted Warts to let Warts finally arrange their meeting near the outer membrane, and then Hippo opened Warts there. Human cell experiments verified that Merlin and Warts' human analogs have the same relationship.
Pandoga said: "Merlin's overall purpose is simple but very important: it ensures that Warts are close to Hippo. Without Merlin, Hippo cannot find Warts, and fruit flies will eventually form enlarged organs."
In humans, when Merlin's analog NF2 does not function properly, it can cause tumor formation, especially those that are classified as type II neurofibromas. These non-cancerous tumors put pressure on nerves in the brain and spinal cord, often resulting in loss of hearing, vision, or other functions affected by nerves.
Due to the similar function of the proteins in the Hippo network in Drosophila and humans, the researchers said that their research work may one day lead to some new discoveries that have important effects on human health, not only for type II neurofibromas but also other types. Tumor.