Neuregulin

Neuregulin (also known as NRG) is a family of proteins in the body that play crucial roles in the development and function of the nervous system and the heart. The Neuregulin family is made up of four members: NRG1, NRG2, NRG3, and NRG4. These proteins are involved in cell-to-cell communication and have been implicated in a variety of biological processes, including neuronal development, heart development, and cancer.

Function

Neuregulins function as ligands for the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase receptors. These receptors are found on the surface of cells and are involved in transmitting signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. When a Neuregulin binds to an ErbB receptor, it triggers a series of chemical reactions inside the cell that can influence cell growth, survival, and differentiation.

Role in Disease

Alterations in the Neuregulin/ErbB signaling pathway have been implicated in several diseases. For example, mutations in the NRG1 gene have been associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and heart disease. In addition, overexpression of Neuregulins and ErbB receptors has been observed in several types of cancer, including breast cancer and lung cancer.

Research

Research on Neuregulins has focused on understanding their role in normal biological processes and disease. This research could potentially lead to the development of new treatments for diseases associated with alterations in the Neuregulin/ErbB signaling pathway.

See Also

• ErbB
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Heart disease
• Cancer