Nestin (protein)

Ideogram human chromosome 1

Nestin (protein)

Nestin is a type VI intermediate filament protein that is encoded by the NES gene in humans. It is primarily found in neural stem cells and progenitor cells, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining cell structure and function. Nestin is considered a marker for undifferentiated cells in the nervous system and is involved in processes such as cell division, migration, and differentiation.

Structure

Nestin is a large protein consisting of approximately 1,624 amino acids in humans. It contains a central α-helical rod domain flanked by non-helical head and tail domains. The rod domain is responsible for the formation of intermediate filaments, which provide structural support to the cell.

Function

Nestin is predominantly expressed in neural stem cells, where it helps maintain the stem cell state and regulates cell division. It is also involved in the migration of neural progenitor cells during brain development. Additionally, nestin expression has been observed in other tissues outside the nervous system, such as muscle and pancreatic cells, suggesting a broader role for this protein.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal expression of nestin has been associated with various neurological disorders, including brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. Elevated levels of nestin have been detected in glioblastomas, a type of aggressive brain tumor, making it a potential diagnostic marker for such conditions. Furthermore, research is ongoing to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting nestin in cancer treatment.

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