SDC4: A Potential Drug Target for Multiple Myeloma (G6385)

Target Name: SDC4

NCBI ID: G6385

SDC4: A Potential Drug Target for Multiple Myeloma

SDC4, or syndecan 4 (amphiglycan, ryudocan), is a protein that is expressed in the plasma cells of individuals with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow. The protein is made up of four chains, each of which is composed of a unique subunit.

One of the unique features of SDC4 is its ability to form inclusion bodies in the plasma cells. These inclusion bodies, which are also known as casts, can be visualized using a variety of techniques, such as immunofluorescence microscopy, and they are composed of SDC4 and other proteins. The presence of SDC4 inclusion bodies is a hallmark of multiple myeloma and has been used as a diagnostic marker for this disease.

In addition to its role in the development and progression of multiple myeloma, SDC4 has also been shown to play a role in the regulation of inflammation. Myeloma is often associated with an overactive immune system, and SDC4 has been shown to dampen the response of immune cells to cancer cells.

The precise function of SDC4 in multiple myeloma is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to play a role in the regulation of the myeloma cells' ability to migrate and invade other tissues.

Given its potential role in the development and progression of multiple myeloma, as well as its involvement in the regulation of inflammation, SDC4 is an attractive target for drug development. Researchers are currently working to develop new therapies that can specifically target SDC4 and are exploring the potential of these therapies in clinical trials.

In conclusion, SDC4 is a protein that is expressed in the plasma cells of individuals with multiple myeloma and has been shown to play a role in the development and progression of this disease. Its ability to form inclusion bodies in the plasma cells and its involvement in the regulation of inflammation make it an attractive target for drug development. While further research is needed to fully understand the function of SDC4 in multiple myeloma, its potential as a drug target is significant.

Protein Name: Syndecan 4

Functions: Cell surface proteoglycan which regulates exosome biogenesis in concert with SDCBP and PDCD6IP (PubMed:22660413)

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