Oncomodulin

Oncomodulin is a specialized calcium-binding protein that also functions as a growth factor, originating from macrophages. Notably, it has been identified as an agent that can stimulate axon regeneration, particularly in the retinal ganglion cells.

Structure and Classification

Oncomodulin is a member of the calmodulin superfamily of calcium-binding proteins<ref name="Gifford1990">Gifford, J. L., Walsh, M. P., & Vogel, H. J. (2007). Structures and metal-ion-binding properties of the Ca2+-binding helix-loop-helix EF-hand motifs. Biochemical Journal, 405(2), 199-221.</ref>. Its structure allows it to interact with calcium ions, thus playing a vital role in calcium-mediated cellular processes.

Function and Role in Axon Regeneration

• Macrophage-Derived Growth Factor

Oncomodulin, when secreted by activated macrophages, acts as a growth factor. It has been found that oncomodulin binds with high affinity to specific receptors on certain neuronal populations, indicating a targeted mechanism for its action<ref name="Yin2006">Yin, Y., Cui, Q., Li, Y., Irwin, N., Fischer, D., Harvey, A. R., & Benowitz, L. I. (2006). Macrophage-derived factors stimulate optic nerve regeneration. The Journal of Neuroscience, 26(12), 3223-3234.</ref>.

• Axon Regeneration in Retinal Ganglion Cells

The most prominent and clinically relevant function of oncomodulin is its capacity to promote axon regeneration. Specifically, in retinal ganglion cells, oncomodulin has demonstrated a significant impact. The ability of a molecule to induce regeneration in these cells holds therapeutic potential for various ophthalmic conditions, including traumatic injuries and degenerative diseases.

Clinical Implications and Future Directions

Oncomodulin's capability to promote axon regeneration makes it a potential therapeutic target for treating nerve injuries and degenerative diseases. Ongoing research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying oncomodulin's effect on axonal growth and to explore its potential in clinical applications<ref name="Yin2006"/>.

See Also

• Neuroregeneration
• Calcium signaling
• Retinal diseases

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