ARHGAP18: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker (G93663)

Target Name: ARHGAP18

NCBI ID: G93663

ARHGAP18: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker

ARHGAP18 (ARH-GAS-18-pro) is a protein that is expressed in various tissues of the human body, including the brain, heart, and liver. It is a member of the ARHGAS family, which includes proteins that are involved in the regulation of a variety of cellular processes, including cell signaling, inflammation, and stress responses. The discovery of ARHGAP18 and its potential functions as a drug target or biomarker has significant implications for the development of new treatments for a variety of diseases.

The ARHGAS Family

The ARHGAS family is characterized by the presence of a unique C-terminal domain that is composed of a series of conserved amino acids that are involved in the regulation of protein stability and localization. This domain is responsible for the stability and retention of the protein in the cytoplasm, which is the fluid that surrounds the cells. The ARHGAS family is also characterized by the presence of a unique N-terminus that is involved in the formation of a protein-protein interaction network.

ARHGAP18: Structure and Function

The structure of ARHGAP18 is similar to that of other members of the ARHGAS family. It is a 19 kDa protein that contains 165 amino acids. It has a unique N-terminus that is involved in the formation of a protein-protein interaction network and is located at position 18 on the protein sequence.

Expression and Localization

ARHGAP18 is expressed in a variety of tissues and cells of the human body, including the brain, heart, and liver. It is also expressed in various cell types, including cancer cells. In addition, it is highly expressed in the placenta, which is the tissue that provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus.

Function

The function of ARHGAP18 is not well understood, but it is believed to be involved in the regulation of cellular processes, including cell signaling, inflammation, and stress responses. It is also involved in the regulation of cellular interactions with the cytoplasm and in the formation of protein-protein interaction networks.

Drug Target Potential

The drug targeting potential of ARHGAP18 is significant. Its unique N-terminus and the conservation of its amino acid sequence in other proteins make it a potential target for small molecules or antibodies that can modulate its activity. In addition, its expression in various tissues and cells of the human body makes it a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

Biomarker Potential

The biomarker potential of ARHGAP18 is also significant. Its unique expression patterns and the conservation of its amino acid sequence in other proteins make it a potential candidate for use as a diagnostic or therapeutic biomarker. For example, high levels of ARHGAP18 expression may be associated with the development of certain diseases, such as cancer, and may serve as a diagnostic marker for these diseases. In addition, its expression patterns may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Conclusion

The discovery of ARHGAP18 and its potential functions as a drug target or biomarker has significant implications for the development of new treatments for a variety of diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand its function and its potential as a drug target and biomarker.

Protein Name: Rho GTPase Activating Protein 18

Functions: Rho GTPase activating protein that suppresses F-actin polymerization by inhibiting Rho. Rho GTPase activating proteins act by converting Rho-type GTPases to an inactive GDP-bound state (PubMed:21865595). Plays a key role in tissue tension and 3D tissue shape by regulating cortical actomyosin network formation. Acts downstream of YAP1 and inhibits actin polymerization, which in turn reduces nuclear localization of YAP1 (PubMed:25778702). Regulates cell shape, spreading, and migration (PubMed:21865595)

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