Myotrophin

Myotrophin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MTPN gene. It is a growth factor that has been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including muscle growth and neurodegenerative diseases.

Function

Myotrophin is a protein that is highly expressed in cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle. It is involved in the regulation of muscle cell growth and differentiation, and it has been shown to promote the survival and growth of neurons in the central nervous system.

Structure

The MTPN gene is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 7 at position 22.3. The protein encoded by this gene is a small, highly conserved protein that is believed to play a role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of myotrophin have been associated with a variety of diseases, including cardiomyopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and cancer. In particular, overexpression of myotrophin has been observed in the hearts of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, suggesting a role for this protein in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Research

Research into the role of myotrophin in disease is ongoing. Current areas of focus include understanding the mechanisms by which myotrophin promotes cell survival and growth, and developing therapeutic strategies to modulate the activity of this protein in disease.

File:Myotrophin.jpg

Myotrophin protein structure. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

See also

• Protein
• Growth factor
• Muscle cell
• Neuron
• Cardiomyopathy
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Cancer