ENPP1: A Protein Involved in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Target Name: ENPP1

NCBI ID: G5167

ENPP1: A Protein Involved in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases

ENPP1 is a protein that is expressed in many different tissues throughout the body. It is a member of the ENPP family, which includes proteins that are involved in the production of different types of lipids. ENPP1 is a surface marker protein, which means that it is located on the surface of cells and can be used to identify them.

One of the interesting aspects of ENPP1 is its role in the development and progression of cancer. It has been shown to be involved in the regulation of cell signaling pathways, which are important for the growth and division of cells. ENPP1 has also been shown to play a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

In addition to its potential involvement in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, ENPP1 is also a potential drug target. Several studies have shown that ENPP1 can be targeted by small molecules, which can be used to inhibit its activity. These small molecules have been shown to have a wide range of effects on ENPP1, including the ability to inhibit its ability to promote cell signaling and the ability to inhibit its ability to induce the formation of new blood vessels.

One of the challenges in studying ENPP1 as a drug target is its complex structure. ENPP1 is a large protein that contains multiple domains, including an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. These domains give ENPP1 a unique structure that is difficult to predict and may make it difficult to design small molecules that can effectively inhibit its activity.

Despite these challenges, researchers are still working to identify potential small molecules that can inhibit ENPP1's activity. One approach that is being explored is the use of a screening library, which consists of a large collection of small molecules that can be screened against ENPP1 to identify those that can inhibit its activity. This approach has the potential to identify new drugs that can be used to treat a wide range of diseases.

Another approach that is being explored is the use ofENPP1 as a biomarker for cancer. ENPP1 has been shown to be expressed in many different types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. By using ENPP1 as a biomarker, researchers can track the progress of these cancers and determine how well different treatments are working. This has the potential to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of cancer treatments.

Overall, ENPP1 is a protein that is involved in a wide range of processes in the body. Its potential as a drug target and as a biomarker for cancer makes it an important area of research. Further studies are needed to fully understand its role in these processes and to identify new small molecules that can be used to inhibit its activity.

Protein Name: Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1

Functions: Nucleotide pyrophosphatase that generates diphosphate (PPi) and functions in bone mineralization and soft tissue calcification by regulating pyrophosphate levels (By similarity). PPi inhibits bone mineralization and soft tissue calcification by binding to nascent hydroxyapatite crystals, thereby preventing further growth of these crystals (PubMed:11004006). Preferentially hydrolyzes ATP, but can also hydrolyze other nucleoside 5' triphosphates such as GTP, CTP and UTP to their corresponding monophosphates with release of pyrophosphate, as well as diadenosine polyphosphates, and also 3',5'-cAMP to AMP (PubMed:27467858, PubMed:8001561, PubMed:25344812, PubMed:28011303). May also be involved in the regulation of the availability of nucleotide sugars in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi, and the regulation of purinergic signaling (PubMed:27467858, PubMed:8001561). Inhibits ectopic joint calcification and maintains articular chondrocytes by repressing hedgehog signaling; it is however unclear whether hedgehog inhibition is direct or indirect (By similarity). Appears to modulate insulin sensitivity and function (PubMed:10615944). Also involved in melanogenesis (PubMed:28964717). Also able to hydrolyze 2',3'-cGAMP (cyclic GMP-AMP), a second messenger that activates TMEM173/STING and triggers type-I interferon production (PubMed:25344812). 2',3'-cGAMP degradation takes place in the lumen or extracellular space, and not in the cytosol where it is produced; the role of 2',3'-cGAMP hydrolysis is therefore unclear (PubMed:25344812). Not able to hydrolyze the 2',3'-cGAMP linkage isomer 3'-3'-cGAMP (PubMed:25344812)

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