CD164

CD164, also known as endolyn, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CD164 gene. This gene is a member of the sialomucin family and is located on chromosome 6 in humans. CD164 functions as a cell adhesion molecule and is involved in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cells and other stem cells.

Function

CD164 is a sialoglycoprotein that is expressed in the bone marrow and plays a critical role in the adhesion and regulation of hematopoietic stem cells. The protein interacts with other cellular components such as extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines to facilitate cell migration and cell signaling. This interaction is crucial for the maintenance and function of stem cells within the bone marrow microenvironment.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the expression of CD164 have been associated with various diseases, including cancer and leukemia. In particular, CD164 has been studied for its role in the progression and metastasis of tumor cells. It is considered a potential target for therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment, particularly in the context of targeting cancer stem cells.

Gene

The CD164 gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 6 (6p21.3) and consists of multiple exons which encode the different isoforms of the CD164 protein. The gene is regulated by various transcription factors that respond to environmental and cellular cues, influencing its expression pattern in different tissues.

Protein Structure

The CD164 protein has a large extracellular region, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular region contains several O-glycosylation sites which are important for the protein's function in cell adhesion and interaction with other molecules.

Research

Research on CD164 is focused on understanding its role in the regulation of stem cells and its potential implications in therapeutics. Studies are also directed towards exploring the use of CD164 as a biomarker for various types of stem cells and as a target for immunotherapy in cancer treatment.

See Also

• Sialomucin
• Cell adhesion molecule
• Hematopoietic stem cell