S100A4: A Promising Calcium Placental Protein as a Drug Target and Biomarker

Target Name: S100A4

NCBI ID: G6275

S100A4: A Promising Calcium Placental Protein as a Drug Target and Biomarker

Placenta plays a vital role in the development and nourishment of an emerging baby. It is a complex structure that houses and supports the growing fetus, while also providing essential nutrients and oxygen. One of the key proteins present in placenta is called S100A4, which has been identified as a potential drug target and biomarker for various diseases. In this article, we will explore the biology, function, and potential clinical applications of S100A4, with a focus on its potential as a drug target.

Background

S100A4 is a protein that is expressed in various tissues, including placenta, brain, heart, and kidneys. It is a member of the S100 family of proteins, which are known for their role in cell signaling and cytoskeletal organization. S100A4 is unique among its family members because it is expressed in the placenta, which is a unique tissue that requires the production of specific proteins to support the development and function of the fetus.

Function

S100A4 is involved in various physiological processes in the placenta, including the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. It plays a key role in the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagen and laminin, which are essential for the structure and function of the placenta. S100A4 is also involved in the regulation of platelet function, which is critical for the formation of the blood-brain barrier and the development of certain neurological disorders.

As a drug target, S100A4 is attractive due to its unique expression in the placenta, as well as its involvement in various physiological processes that are important for human health. There is growing interest in developing drugs that target S100A4 to treat various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and reproductive diseases.

Potential clinical applications

S100A4 has the potential to be a drug target for various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and reproductive diseases. Here are some potential clinical applications of S100A4 as a drug target:

1. Cancer

S100A4 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression and apoptosis, which are critical for the development and progression of cancer. Some studies have suggested that inhibiting S100A4 activity may be a useful approach for treating cancer. For example, a study by Xu et al. found that inhibiting the expression of S100A4 in cancer cells inhibited cell proliferation and improved the sensitivity of these cells to chemotherapy.

2. Neurodegenerative disorders

S100A4 is involved in the regulation of neural cell survival and proliferation, which is critical for the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Some studies have suggested that targeting S100A4 with drugs may be a useful approach for treating neurodegenerative disorders. For example, a study by Zeng et al. found that blocking the expression of S100A4 using RNA interference improved the survival of neurodegenerative disease model mice.

3. Reproductive diseases

S100A4 is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, which is critical for the development and progression of reproductive diseases. Some studies have suggested that targeting S100A4 with drugs may be a useful approach for treating reproductive diseases. For example, a study by Wang et al. found that inhibiting the expression of S100A4 in human ovarian cancer cells improved the sensitivity of these cells to chemotherapy.

Discussion

In conclusion, S100A4 is a unique protein that is expressed in the placenta and is involved in various physiological processes that are important for human health. Its potential as a drug target is due to its unique expression in the placenta and its involvement in critical processes that are necessary for human growth and development. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of S100A4 in human health and to develop effective treatments for diseases that are associated with its dysfunction.

Protein Name: S100 Calcium Binding Protein A4

Functions: Calcium-binding protein that plays a role in various cellular processes including motility, angiogenesis, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy (PubMed:16707441, PubMed:23752197, PubMed:30713770). Increases cell motility and invasiveness by interacting with non-muscle myosin heavy chain (NMMHC) IIA/MYH9 (PubMed:16707441). Mechanistically, promotes filament depolymerization and increases the amount of soluble myosin-IIA, resulting in the formation of stable protrusions facilitating chemotaxis (By similarity). Modulates also the pro-apoptotic function of TP53 by binding to its C-terminal transactivation domain within the nucleus and reducing its protein levels (PubMed:23752197). Within the extracellular space, stimulates cytokine production including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and CCL24 from T-lymphocytes (By similarity). In addition, stimulates T-lymphocyte chemotaxis by acting as a chemoattractant complex with PGLYRP1 that promotes lymphocyte migration via CCR5 and CXCR3 receptors (PubMed:30713770, PubMed:26654597)

More Common Targets