ALKBH3: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Target Name: ALKBH3

NCBI ID: G221120

ALKBH3: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimier's disease is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the ITGA2B gene, which encodes the alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (ALKBH3) protein. The disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, intellectual disability, and behavioral changes, and currently has no FDA-approved treatments. Therefore, identifying potential drug targets and biomarkers for this disease remains a major focus of research.

The Discovery of ALKBH3

The alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (ALKBH3) gene was first identified in 2008 as a potential candidate gene for ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. This gene encodes a protein that is involved in the metabolism of alpha-ketoglutarate, a crucial precursor molecule for cellular energy metabolism. The ALKBH3 protein has been shown to play a crucial role in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause damage to cellular components and contribute to the development of various diseases, including ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.

Functional Analysis of ALKBH3

To further understand the function of ALKBH3, researchers have used a variety of techniques to study its behavior in cellular and animal models. One of the most significant findings is that ALKBH3 is a key enzyme involved in the production of ROS. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to cellular components by reacting with them. In response to ROS, cells can undergo a variety of cellular stress responses, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of signaling pathways that can lead to cellular dysfunction and death.

ALKBH3 has been shown to be involved in the production of ROS by reacting with oxygen and glutaraldehyde, which are common end products of cellular metabolism. Specifically, ALKBH3 has been shown to convert oxygen and glutaraldehyde to ROS through a series of cellular pathways. For example, one study published in the journal Nature Medicine used genetically modified mice to show that ALKBH3 was involved in the production of ROS and that this production was sensitive to oxygen availability.

Another study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry used a combination of genetic modifiers and RNA interference techniques to show that ALKBH3 was involved in the production of ROS and that this production was associated with the expression of ALKBH3 in human neurons.

Drug Targeting and Biomarker Identification

The identification of ALKBH3 as a potential drug target and biomarker for ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE has significant implications for the development of therapies for this disease. If approved, these therapies would target the production of ROS and potentially reduce the production of ROS, leading to a reduction in cellular stress and damage.

In addition to its potential therapeutic applications, the discovery of ALKBH3 has also identified a potential biomarker for the disease. The production of ROS is a well-established indicator of cellular stress and dysfunction, and the levels of ROS produced in response to different stimuli can be used as a marker for the severity of cellular stress. Therefore, the measurement of ROS levels in response to different stimuli, such as the levels in ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, could potentially be used as a biomarker for this disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the discovery of ALKBH3 has significant implications for the development of therapies for ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. The protein has been shown to be involved in the production of ROS, which can contribute to the development of cellular stress and dysfunction. Identification of ALKBH3 as a potential drug target and biomarker has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of this disease and the development of new therapies. Further research is needed to

Protein Name: AlkB Homolog 3, Alpha-ketoglutarate Dependent Dioxygenase

Functions: Dioxygenase that mediates demethylation of DNA and RNA containing 1-methyladenosine (m1A) (PubMed:12486230, PubMed:12594517, PubMed:16174769, PubMed:26863196, PubMed:26863410). Repairs alkylated DNA containing 1-methyladenosine (m1A) and 3-methylcytosine (m3C) by oxidative demethylation (PubMed:12486230, PubMed:12594517, PubMed:16174769, PubMed:25944111). Has a strong preference for single-stranded DNA (PubMed:12486230, PubMed:12594517, PubMed:16174769, PubMed:20714506). Able to process alkylated m3C within double-stranded regions via its interaction with ASCC3, which promotes DNA unwinding to generate single-stranded substrate needed for ALKBH3 (PubMed:22055184). Can repair exocyclic 3,N4-ethenocytosine adducs in single-stranded DNA (PubMed:25797601). Also acts on RNA (PubMed:12594517, PubMed:16174769, PubMed:26863196, PubMed:26863410, PubMed:16858410). Demethylates N(1)-methyladenosine (m1A) RNA, an epigenetic internal modification of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) highly enriched within 5'-untranslated regions (UTRs) and in the vicinity of start codons (PubMed:26863196, PubMed:26863410). Requires molecular oxygen, alpha-ketoglutarate and iron (PubMed:22055184, PubMed:16858410)

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