NICE

NEU4

NEU4 is a gene that encodes the enzyme sialidase-4, which is involved in the catabolism of sialic acids in the human body. Sialic acids are a family of nine-carbon sugars that are typically found at the terminal position of glycan chains on the surfaces of cells and soluble proteins. The NEU4 gene plays a crucial role in the regulation of cellular processes such as cell signaling, adhesion, and immune response.

Structure

The NEU4 gene is located on chromosome 2q37.3 and consists of multiple exons. The gene encodes a protein that is approximately 497 amino acids in length. The NEU4 protein is a member of the glycosyl hydrolase 33 family and is characterized by its ability to cleave sialic acid residues from glycoproteins and glycolipids.

Function

The primary function of the NEU4-encoded sialidase is to remove sialic acid residues from glycoproteins and glycolipids. This desialylation process is important for:

• Cellular communication: Sialic acids are involved in cell-cell interactions and signaling. By removing these residues, NEU4 can modulate these processes.
• Pathogen interaction: Many pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, exploit sialic acids to attach to host cells. NEU4 activity can influence susceptibility to infections.
• Cancer progression: Altered sialylation patterns are associated with cancer. NEU4 may play a role in tumor progression and metastasis by modifying cell surface sialylation.

Clinical Significance

Mutations or dysregulation of the NEU4 gene have been implicated in various diseases, including:

• Neurodegenerative diseases: Abnormal sialidase activity has been linked to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
• Cancer: Changes in NEU4 expression levels have been observed in certain cancers, suggesting a role in tumor biology.
• Metabolic disorders: Altered sialic acid metabolism can lead to metabolic syndromes.

Research and Therapeutic Potential

Research into NEU4 and its encoded enzyme is ongoing, with potential therapeutic applications in:

• Cancer therapy: Targeting NEU4 activity to alter tumor cell surface sialylation.
• Infectious diseases: Modulating NEU4 activity to prevent pathogen attachment and entry.
• Neurodegenerative diseases: Investigating NEU4 as a target for modulating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Also see

• Sialic acid
• Glycosylation
• Chromosome 2 (human)
• Glycoprotein
• Enzyme