YWHAG - 14-3-3 protein gamma | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background

YWHAG, also known as 14-3-3 protein gamma, is a member of the 14-3-3 family of proteins, which are highly conserved and ubiquitous across eukaryotic species. These proteins play crucial roles in regulating various cellular processes by acting as scaffolds and adaptors that mediate protein-protein interactions. YWHAG is involved in essential cellular functions, including signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and stress responses. It binds to phosphorylated serine/threonine residues on target proteins, affecting their function, localization, and stability. YWHAG is particularly important in neuronal development and function, contributing to synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Dysregulation of YWHAG is associated with several pathological conditions, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Protein Structure

YWHAH, like other 14-3-3 proteins, has a conserved structure characterized by:

• Alpha-helical Composition: Each monomer consists of nine alpha helices, forming a rigid, stable structure.
• Dimerization: The functional form of YWHAG is typically a dimer, which is crucial for its ability to interact with multiple target proteins simultaneously.
• Binding Groove: The central binding groove formed by the dimer allows YWHAG to bind to phosphorylated serine/threonine motifs on target proteins.
• Versatile Binding Sites: These sites enable YWHAG to interact with a wide array of proteins, facilitating its involvement in various signaling pathways and cellular processes.

Classification and Subtypes

YWHAG is one of the seven mammalian isoforms of the 14-3-3 protein family, which includes β, γ (YWHAG), ε, η, σ, τ, and ζ. Each isoform, while structurally similar, has specific and sometimes overlapping functions in different tissues and cellular contexts.

Function and Biological Significance

YWHAG is involved in several critical cellular functions:

• Signal Transduction: YWHAG modulates various signaling pathways by binding to phosphorylated proteins, influencing processes such as cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.
• Cell Cycle Regulation: It interacts with cell cycle regulators, including Cdc25 phosphatases and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), ensuring proper cell division and growth.
• Apoptosis: By binding to pro-apoptotic proteins like BAD and Bax, YWHAG regulates apoptosis and promotes cell survival.
• Neuronal Development: In the nervous system, YWHAG is involved in neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation.
• Stress Response: YWHAG plays a role in the cellular stress response, helping cells cope with oxidative stress and DNA damage by modulating relevant signaling pathways.

Clinical Issues

Alterations in YWHAG expression or function are associated with several diseases:

• Cancer: Dysregulation of YWHAG has been linked to various cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and gliomas. It can influence tumor progression by affecting cell proliferation and survival pathways.
• Neurodegenerative Disorders: YWHAG is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, where it affects neuronal survival and function.
• Developmental Disorders: Mutations or dysregulation of YWHAG are associated with developmental disorders, including those involving brain malformations.

Summary

YWHAG (14-3-3 protein gamma) is a multifunctional adaptor protein involved in critical cellular processes, including signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and stress response. Its structure, featuring nine alpha helices and a phosphoserine/threonine-binding groove, enables it to interact with a wide range of phosphorylated target proteins. Dysregulation of YWHAG is linked to various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, underscoring its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis. ELISA, CLIA, antibodies, and recombinant proteins are essential tools for studying YWHAG, providing insights into its expression, function, and role in disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and interactions of YWHAG can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.