STARD6: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Star-related Lipid Transfer Proteins

Target Name: STARD6

NCBI ID: G147323

STARD6: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Star-related Lipid Transfer Proteins

Star-related lipid transfer proteins (SLTPs) are a family of transmembrane proteins that play a crucial role in the transfer of lipids across various cell types and barriers. SLTPs have been implicated in various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. The STARD6 protein, named after its unique structure, is a member of the SLT family and has been identified as a potential drug target and biomarker.

Structure and Function

The STARD6 protein is a 21-kDa glycoprotein that consists of an N-terminal cytoplasmic domain, a transmembrane region, and an C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. The protein has a unique 6-pass transmembrane structure, with a hydrophobic tail at its C-terminus and a hydrophilic N-terminus that is involved in lipid transfer.

The STARD6 protein functions as a lipid transfer protein by participating in the delivery of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) to peripheral tissues. VLDL is a lipid-rich protein that is derived from the liver and is responsible for transporting dietary lipids to peripheral tissues for energy storage and metabolism. The delivery of VLDL to peripheral tissues is a critical process for maintaining energy homeostasis and has been implicated in various diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Mutational Analysis

Mutational analysis of the STARD6 gene has revealed that various mutations have been identified, which have implications for the protein's function and stability. The most common mutation is a missense mutation, which results in the substitution of Asp for Asn at position 202. This mutation has been shown to alter the stability of the STARD6 protein and lead to decreased protein levels.

Another mutation, which results in the substitution of Asp for Asn at position 206, has also been identified. This mutation has been shown to affect the protein's stability and localization to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Human Expression and Disease Implications

Human expression studies have shown that STARD6 is highly expressed in various tissues, including liver, muscle, and heart. The protein has also been shown to be involved in various cellular processes, including cell signaling, DNA replication, and metabolism.

In addition to its role in cellular processes, STARD6 has also been implicated in various diseases. The high expression of STARD6 has been associated with various metabolic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The STARD6 protein has also been shown to be involved in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Drug Targeting

The potential drug targeting of STARD6 is based on its unique structure and function as a lipid transfer protein. Drugs that can inhibit the activity of STARD6 or enhance its stability have the potential to treat various diseases associated with SLTPs.

One approach to drug targeting STARD6 is to use small molecules that can modulate its stability or activity. For example, inhibitors of STARD6 have been shown to be effective in reducing the concentration of VLDL in cell cultures and in animal models of obesity.

Another approach to drug targeting STARD6 is to use antibodies that can specifically recognize and target the protein. The use of antibodies against STARD6 has been shown to be effective in reducing the concentration of VLDL in cell cultures and in animal models of obesity.

Biomarker Analysis

The use of biomarkers, such as protein levels or activity, can be an attractive approach to drug targeting STARD6. The detection of STARD6 protein levels in various tissues, such as liver, muscle, and heart, can be used as a biomarker for the protein's function and stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, STARD6 is a unique protein that plays a critical role in the transfer of lipids across various cell types and barriers. The potential drug targeting of STARD6 is based on its unique structure and function as a lipid transfer protein. The use of small molecules or antibodies to inhibit or enhance the activity of STARD6 has the potential to treat various diseases associated with SLTPs. Biomarker analysis, such as the detection of STARD6 protein levels, can also be

Protein Name: StAR Related Lipid Transfer Domain Containing 6

Functions: May be involved in the intracellular transport of sterols or other lipids. May bind cholesterol or other sterols (By similarity)

More Common Targets