SNAI2
Overview[edit | edit source]
SNAI2, also known as Slug, is a gene that encodes a member of the Snail family of C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factors. This protein plays a critical role in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process essential for embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and cancer metastasis.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The SNAI2 gene is located on chromosome 8q11.21 in humans. The protein product of SNAI2 contains several zinc finger domains, which facilitate its binding to DNA. These domains are crucial for its function as a transcriptional repressor.
Function[edit | edit source]
SNAI2 is primarily involved in the repression of E-cadherin, a key component of adherens junctions in epithelial cells. By repressing E-cadherin, SNAI2 promotes the disassembly of cell-cell junctions, facilitating cell migration and invasion. This function is particularly important during the EMT process, where epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics, enhancing their motility.
Role in Development[edit | edit source]
During embryonic development, SNAI2 is essential for the formation of the neural crest, a group of cells that give rise to various tissues, including peripheral nerves, melanocytes, and facial cartilage. SNAI2's role in EMT is critical for the migration and differentiation of these cells.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
SNAI2 is implicated in various pathological conditions, particularly in cancer. Overexpression of SNAI2 has been associated with increased tumor invasiveness and metastasis in several cancers, including breast, colorectal, and gastric cancers. It is considered a potential target for therapeutic intervention to inhibit cancer progression.
Research and Therapeutic Implications[edit | edit source]
Research into SNAI2 focuses on understanding its regulatory mechanisms and interactions with other signaling pathways involved in EMT. Targeting SNAI2 and its downstream effects holds promise for developing novel cancer therapies aimed at preventing metastasis.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
