Nuclear receptor coactivator 1

Nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1), also known as steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NCOA1 gene. NCOA1 is a member of the p160 SRC (steroid receptor coactivator) family, which is a group of transcriptional coactivators that play a significant role in the function of nuclear receptors. Nuclear receptors are a class of proteins found within cells that are responsible for sensing steroid and thyroid hormones and certain other molecules. They are involved in the expression of specific genes, which regulate the development, homeostasis, and metabolism of the organism.

Function

NCOA1 is involved in the coactivation of different nuclear receptors such as estrogen, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor, among others. It acts by directly interacting with the ligand-bound receptor and enhancing its transcriptional activity. The coactivation process is crucial for the proper transcriptional regulation of genes involved in a wide range of physiological processes including, but not limited to, cell growth, differentiation, and metabolism.

Structure

The NCOA1 protein contains several domains important for its function, including a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain, PAS domains, and three LXXLL motifs, which are nuclear receptor interaction domains. These domains facilitate the interaction of NCOA1 with nuclear receptors and other components of the transcription machinery.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the expression or function of NCOA1 have been implicated in various diseases, including cancers. Overexpression of NCOA1 has been observed in certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer, suggesting a role in the development and progression of these diseases. As a coactivator for hormone receptors, NCOA1 is also involved in the hormonal regulation of various physiological processes, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention in hormone-related disorders.

Interactions

NCOA1 has been shown to interact with a variety of proteins, including not only nuclear receptors but also other transcriptional coactivators and corepressors, which modulate its activity. These interactions are critical for the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.

See Also

• Nuclear receptor
• Transcriptional coactivator
• Steroid hormone receptor
• Gene expression