Calretinin

Calretinin is a calcium-binding protein that is primarily expressed in the nervous system. It is a member of the EF-hand proteins family, which are characterized by their ability to bind calcium ions. Calretinin is used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of certain types of cancer, including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.

Structure and Function

Calretinin is a 29-kDa protein that contains six EF-hand motifs, four of which can bind calcium ions. The protein is encoded by the CALB2 gene in humans. It is primarily located in the cytoplasm of cells, but can also be found in the nucleus.

The exact function of calretinin is not fully understood. However, it is known to play a role in calcium signaling, which is crucial for many cellular processes. It is also thought to be involved in neuronal development and neuroprotection.

Clinical Significance

Calretinin is used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of certain types of cancer. It is particularly useful in distinguishing mesothelioma from other types of lung cancer, as it is expressed in the majority of mesothelioma cases but is rarely found in other lung cancers. It is also used in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, as it is expressed in certain types of this disease.

In addition to its role in cancer diagnosis, calretinin may also have potential as a therapeutic target. Studies have suggested that inhibiting the expression of calretinin could slow the growth of mesothelioma cells.

See Also

• Calcium-binding protein
• EF-hand proteins
• Mesothelioma
• Ovarian cancer