Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UNIPROT:P01275 (glucagon)
 26,492 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

To provide a global analysis of genes involved in the inflammatory process in joints of DBA/1J mice suffering from collagen induced arthritis (CIA) we used oligonucleotide microarrays representing approximately 11,000 genes to determine the gene expression profile of the inflamed paws at peak of disease, and compared them to normal tissue. Peak of disease was determined from clinical evaluation of disease and histopathology of joints. Of the 11,000 genes assayed, 223 showed differential expression of four fold or more (187 upregulated and 36 downregulated). Ninety-five of the genes observed had well-characterized full length sequences in databases, and 128 were unknown (Ests). Inflammation resulted in a profile of increased gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases, immune-related, extra-cellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules, as well as molecules involved in cell division and transcription; differential regulation of molecules involved in signal transduction, protein synthesis and metabolism. Of the 55 genes with known chromosomal locations nine mapped to previously identified QTL, contributing to susceptibility or severity of CIA, i.e. MHC class I, II, Basigin, FAP, Cathepsin K, CD 53, RAF1, glucagon, and retinal taurine transporter. The profile of gene expression supports current theoretical models of disease progression and might open new perspectives for both diagnosis and treatment of arthritis.
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PMID:Gene-expression profile of collagen-induced arthritis. 1190 48

A cDNA clone encoding a cysteine proteinase of the papain superfamily has been isolated from the hepatopancreas of northern shrimp Pandalus borealis (NsCys). NsCys shares the highest identity of 64% with a cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase from lobster, and its identity to the well-characterized mammalian cathepsins S, L, and K falls within a narrow range of 54-59%. However, it differs from each of these cathepsins in certain key residues including, for example, the unique occurrence of tryptophan and cysteine residues at the structurally important S2 subsite. Consequently, NsCys produced in Pichia pastoris appears to be distinct in various physicokinetic properties. The recombinant enzyme is active and stable over a wide range of pH values, and its substrate specificity is unusual, as demonstrated by its poor affinity for phenylalanine residues. Instead, it shows the highest specificity for proline residues, a property similar to cathepsin K. Unlike cathepsin K, however, NsCys cleaves valine residues more efficiently than leucine. Similar results were obtained with the natural peptide substrate glucagon. The shrimp proteinase is further distinguished by its potent collagenolytic activity, resulting in a cleavage pattern reminiscent of bacterial collagenase. To distinguish such unique structural and enzymatic properties, we propose the trivial name "crustapain" for the shrimp proteinase, indicating that it is a papain-like cysteine proteinase from a crustacean species.
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PMID:Molecular cloning and functional characterization of crustapain: a distinct cysteine proteinase with unique substrate specificity from northern shrimp Pandalus borealis. 1286 37

Osteoporosis is a worldwide health problem with a high prevalence. Agents for the treatment of osteoporosis are classified as either antiresorptive or anabolic. Antiresorptive agents work by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts and, therefore, reducing bone resorption. Currently available antiresorptive agents include bisphosphonates, selective estrogen-receptor modulators, calcitonin and estrogen. Various novel antiresorptive agents are in development. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand is an important cytokine involved in osteoclast activation; denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody to this molecule, has finished a major fracture trial. Assessment is underway of odanacatib--an inhibitor of cathepsin K, which is an osteoclast enzyme required for resorption of bone matrix. Glucagon-like peptide 2 is being evaluated for the prevention of the nocturnal rise in bone resorption without affecting bone formation. Anabolic agents act by stimulating formation of new bone. The only anabolic agent currently available in the US is teriparatide--recombinant human parathyroid hormone (PTH)(1-34)--and recombinant human PTH(1-84) is available in Europe. PTH stimulates osteoblast function and bone formation. Novel anabolic agents in development include: antibodies such as sclerostin and dickkopf-1 that target molecules involved in Wnt signaling, a pathway that regulates gene transcription of proteins that are important for osteoblast function; an antagonist to the calcium-sensing receptor; and an activin receptor fusion protein, which functions as an activin antagonist and has shown promise as an anabolic agent in early human trials.
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PMID:Potential new drug targets for osteoporosis. 1909 25

Osteoclasts, the only cells with bone resorption functions in vivo, maintain the balance of bone metabolism by cooperating with osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation. Excessive activity of osteoclasts causes many diseases such as osteoporosis, periprosthetic osteolysis, bone tumors, and Paget's disease. In contrast, osteopetrosis results from osteoclast deficiency. Available strategies for combating over-activated osteoclasts and the subsequently induced diseases can be categorized into three approaches: facilitating osteoclast apoptosis, inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, and impairing bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are representative molecules that function by triggering osteoclast apoptosis. New drugs, such as tumor necrosis factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) inhibitors (e.g., denosumab) have been developed for targeting the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B /RANKL/osteoprotegerin system or CSF-1/CSF-1R axis, which play critical roles in osteoclast formation. Furthermore, vacuolar (H+)-ATPase inhibitors, cathepsin K inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide 2 impair different stages of the bone resorption process. Recently, significant achievements have been made in this field. The aim of this review is to provide an updated summary of the current progress in research involving osteoclast-related diseases and of the development of targeted inhibitors of osteoclast formation.
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PMID:Key Triggers of Osteoclast-Related Diseases and Available Strategies for Targeted Therapies: A Review. 2932 38