SS18: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Inflammatory Diseases

Target Name: SS18

NCBI ID: G6760

SS18: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Inflammatory Diseases

Introduction

SS18 (serine-specific 18kDa) is a protein that is expressed in various tissues, including the brain, heart, liver, and muscle. Its primary function is to regulate the structure and function of actin filaments, which are important for cytoskeletal organization and mechanical forces. The identification and characterization of SS18 as a potential drug target and biomarker for inflammatory diseases has significant implications for the development of new therapeutic approaches.

SS18: A Diverse Protein Family

The SS18 gene family consists of four isoforms: SS18A, SS18B, SS18C, and SS18D. These isoforms differ in their amino acid sequences, which may affect their stability, localization, and function. SS18A and B are predominantly expressed in the brain, while SS18C and D are predominantly expressed in the heart and liver, respectively.

Function and localization of SS18

SS18 is involved in the regulation of actin filaments, which are composed of the protein actinin. Actinin is a nucleosome protein that plays a crucial role in the organization of nuclear chromatin during the cell cycle. In addition to its role in nucleosome organization, actinin is also involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, including the formation and disassembly of microtubules.

The localization of SS18 is also of interest. SS18 is predominantly expressed in the cytoskeleton, including the microtubules and centrioles. It is also expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). The expression of SS18 in these tissues suggests that it may be involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal organization and dynamics.

Potential Drug Target and Biomarker

The potential drug target for SS18 is based on its involvement in the regulation of actin filaments and its localization in the cytoskeleton. Drugs that can modulate actin filament organization and/or localization may be effective in treating inflammatory diseases.

One approach to targeting SS18 is to use small molecules that can modulate the stability and localization of actinin. Experiments have shown that inhibitors of the protein kinase C (PKC), a known regulator of actinin, can reduce the localization of SS18 in the cytoskeleton. Additionally, inhibitors of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) can also localize SS18 to the cytoskeleton and enhance its expression.

Another approach to targeting SS18 is to use antibodies that recognize and specifically target the protein. This approach has been used to study the localization and function of SS18 in various tissues and has led to the identification of novel proteins that are co-expressed with SS18 in the brain.

Biomarker studies have also shown that SS18 is significantly decreased in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles and the loss of functional neurons. The decreased expression of SS18 in the brains of individuals with AD suggest that it may be a potential biomarker for this disease.

Conclusion

SS18 is a protein that is involved in the regulation of actin filaments and its localization in the cytoskeleton. The potential drug target for SS18 is based on its involvement in the regulation of actin and its localization in the cytoskeleton. Additionally, SS18 has been shown to be decreased in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, making it a potential biomarker for this disease. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of SS18 in the regulation of actinin and its potential as a drug target

Protein Name: SS18 Subunit Of BAF Chromatin Remodeling Complex

Functions: Appears to function synergistically with RBM14 as a transcriptional coactivator. Isoform 1 and isoform 2 function in nuclear receptor coactivation. Isoform 1 and isoform 2 function in general transcriptional coactivation. Component of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling subcomplex GBAF that carries out key enzymatic activities, changing chromatin structure by altering DNA-histone contacts within a nucleosome in an ATP-dependent manner (PubMed:29374058)

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