Cytoglobin

Cytoglobin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CYGB gene. It is a member of the globin family and is expressed in fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and neurons.

Function

Cytoglobin is a hexacoordinate globin, meaning it binds to heme with both a histidine residue and a distal amino acid. This allows it to perform a variety of functions, including oxygen transport, detoxification, and protection against oxidative stress.

Structure

The structure of cytoglobin is similar to that of other globins, with eight alpha helices and a heme group in the center. However, it also has two additional helices at the N-terminus, which are thought to be involved in the hexacoordination of the heme group.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of cytoglobin have been associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.

See also

• Globin
• Heme
• Oxygen transport
• Detoxification
• Oxidative stress

External links

• NCBI Gene
• UniProt

Cytoglobin

• Hexacoordination
  Hexacoordination