Lefty (protein)
Lefty (protein)
The Lefty protein, also known as Left-right determination factor, is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily of proteins. It plays a crucial role in the establishment of Left-right asymmetry in developing embryos. The protein is encoded by the LEFTY1 and LEFTY2 genes in humans.
Function[edit | edit source]
The Lefty protein is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation and proliferation. It is also essential for the development of organ systems and the establishment of left-right asymmetry during embryogenesis. The protein inhibits the activity of Nodal, another member of the TGF-beta superfamily, to control the left-right asymmetry.
Genes[edit | edit source]
In humans, the Lefty protein is encoded by two genes: LEFTY1 and LEFTY2. These genes are located on chromosome 1 and chromosome 2, respectively. Mutations in these genes can lead to disorders of left-right asymmetry, such as Situs inversus and Heterotaxy.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Abnormalities in the Lefty protein or its genes can lead to a variety of developmental disorders. For example, mutations in the LEFTY genes have been associated with congenital heart defects, infertility, and certain types of cancer. The protein is also being studied for its potential role in regenerative medicine.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD