DLX4: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker (G1748)

Target Name: DLX4

NCBI ID: G1748

DLX4: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker

DLX4 (doublecortin) is a protein that is expressed in various tissues of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. It is a 26-kDa protein that is composed of two distinct domains: a N-terminal transmembrane domain and a C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. The N-terminal domain is responsible for the protein's ability to interact with various signaling pathways, while the C-terminal domain is involved in the protein's stability and localization to the cell surface.

DLX4 has been identified as a potential drug target due to its involvement in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. These conditions are characterized by the progressive loss of brain cells and the formation of aggregates of neurotransmitters, which can lead to the symptoms associated with the disorders.

In addition to its potential therapeutic applications, DLX4 has also been identified as a biomarker for several neurological disorders. The ability of DLX4 to interact with various signaling pathways, including dopamine, suggests that it may play a role in the regulation of neurotransmitter release and uptake. This is further supported by the fact that DLX4 is expressed in regions of the brain that are involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and uptake, such as the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia.

In addition to its potential therapeutic and biomarker applications, DLX4 has also been shown to play a role in several other physiological processes. For example, studies have shown that DLX4 is involved in the regulation of ion channels, which are responsible for the flow of electrical signals through the brain. This suggests that DLX4 may be involved in the regulation of brain activity and the coordination of various cognitive processes.

Overall, the potential of DLX4 as a drug target and biomarker makes it an important area of research for the development of new treatments for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Further studies are needed to fully understand the role of DLX4 in these conditions and to determine its potential as a therapeutic and biomarker.

Protein Name: Distal-less Homeobox 4

Functions: May play a role in determining the production of hemoglobin S. May act as a repressor. During embryonic development, plays a role in palatogenesis

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