CENPX: A Promising Drug Target and Biomarker for Chromosomal Stability and Maintenance

Target Name: CENPX

NCBI ID: G201254

CENPX: A Promising Drug Target and Biomarker for Chromosomal Stability and Maintenance

Chromosomal stability is a critical factor in the development and progression of many diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and genetic disorders. The maintenance of chromosomal stability is a complex process that involves multiple proteins, including CENPX (Centromere protein X), which plays a pivotal role in ensuring the proper formation and stability of chromosomes. CENPX is a key regulator of microtubules, which are dynamic structures that play a crucial role in the movement of chromosomes during the cell cycle. In this article, we will explore the role of CENPX in chromosomal stability and discuss its potential as a drug target and biomarker.

Structure and Function

CENPX is a protein that belongs to the centromere family, which is composed of proteins that are involved in the regulation of chromosomal stability. Chromosomal stability refers to the ability of chromosomes to remain in the proper position and remain intact during the cell cycle. CENPX is a key regulator of this process, as it helps to ensure that chromosomes are properly organized and that they remain stable throughout the cell cycle.

CENPX is a 21-kDa protein that is composed of 192 amino acid residues. It is located at the centromere region of chromosomes, where it interacts with the microtubules of the mitotic spindle. CENPX plays a critical role in the regulation of the stability of microtubules, as well as the proper formation and disassembly of chromatin.

One of the key functions of CENPX is its ability to interact with the microtubules of the

Protein Name: Centromere Protein X

Functions: DNA-binding component of the Fanconi anemia (FA) core complex. Required for the normal activation of the FA pathway, leading to monoubiquitination of the FANCI-FANCD2 complex in response to DNA damage, cellular resistance to DNA cross-linking drugs, and prevention of chromosomal breakage (PubMed:20347428, PubMed:20347429). In complex with CENPS (MHF heterodimer), crucial cofactor for FANCM in both binding and ATP-dependent remodeling of DNA. Stabilizes FANCM. In complex with CENPS and FANCM (but not other FANC proteins), rapidly recruited to blocked forks and promotes gene conversion at blocked replication forks (PubMed:20347428, PubMed:20347429). In complex with CENPS, CENPT and CENPW (CENP-T-W-S-X heterotetramer), involved in the formation of a functional kinetochore outer plate, which is essential for kinetochore-microtubule attachment and faithful mitotic progression (PubMed:19620631). As a component of MHF and CENP-T-W-S-X complexes, binds DNA and bends it to form a nucleosome-like structure (PubMed:20347428, PubMed:20347429). DNA-binding function is fulfilled in the presence of CENPS, with the following preference for DNA substates: Holliday junction > double-stranded > splay arm > single-stranded. Does not bind DNA on its own (PubMed:20347429)

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