KPNA3: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Parkinson's Disease

Target Name: KPNA3

NCBI ID: G3839

KPNA3: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Despite advances in treatment, the underlying cause of Parkinson's disease remains unresolved, and there is a high demand for new and effective therapies.

Recent studies have identified a potential drug target for Parkinson's disease, KPNA3, which is a subunit of the importin alpha-4 protein. KPNA3 plays a critical role in the transportation of dopamine (a critical neurotransmitter) to its target in the brain, which is thought to contribute to the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

The Importin alpha-4 protein is a transmembrane protein that plays a central role in intracellular signaling. It is composed of four subunits, including KPNA3, which is involved in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways, including the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. This pathway is involved in the regulation of a wide range of cellular processes, including protein synthesis, cell signaling, and neurotransmitter transport.

In Parkinson's disease, the levels of KPNA3 are decreased, and this has been associated with the dysfunction of the importin alpha-4 protein. Studies have shown that decreased KPNA3 levels is associated with increased levels of dopamine, which is a known risk factor for Parkinson's disease. Additionally, inhibition of the importin alpha-4 protein has been shown to protect dopamine-dependent neurons from neurotoxicity in Parkinson's disease.

The drug target for Parkinson's disease is KPNA3, which is a subunit of the importin alpha-4 protein. KPNA3 plays a critical role in the transportation of dopamine to its target in the brain, which is thought to contribute to the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

In conclusion, KPNA3 is a potential drug target and biomarker for Parkinson's disease. The study of KPNA3 and its role in the importin alpha-4 protein is a promising direction for future research in the development of new treatments for Parkinson's disease. Further studies are needed to fully understand the function of KPNA3 and its potential as a drug target.

Protein Name: Karyopherin Subunit Alpha 3

Functions: Functions in nuclear protein import as an adapter protein for nuclear receptor KPNB1. Binds specifically and directly to substrates containing either a simple or bipartite NLS motif. Docking of the importin/substrate complex to the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is mediated by KPNB1 through binding to nucleoporin FxFG repeats and the complex is subsequently translocated through the pore by an energy requiring, Ran-dependent mechanism. At the nucleoplasmic side of the NPC, Ran binds to importin-beta and the three components separate and importin-alpha and -beta are re-exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where GTP hydrolysis releases Ran from importin. The directionality of nuclear import is thought to be conferred by an asymmetric distribution of the GTP- and GDP-bound forms of Ran between the cytoplasm and nucleus. In vitro, mediates the nuclear import of human cytomegalovirus UL84 by recognizing a non-classical NLS. Recognizes NLSs of influenza A virus nucleoprotein probably through ARM repeats 7-9

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