WWOX

WWOX

WWOX, also known as WW domain-containing oxidoreductase, is a protein-coding gene that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. It is located on chromosome 16q23.3 and is highly conserved across different species, indicating its importance in biological functions.

Structure and Function

The WWOX gene encodes a protein that contains two WW domains, which are protein interaction modules that bind to proline-rich sequences in other proteins. These domains allow WWOX to interact with a wide range of proteins involved in different signaling pathways.

WWOX has been implicated in several cellular processes, including apoptosis (programmed cell death), DNA repair, and tumor suppression. It acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating the expression of genes involved in cell growth and proliferation. Additionally, WWOX has been shown to modulate the activity of various transcription factors, further highlighting its role in gene regulation.

Clinical Significance

Mutations or alterations in the WWOX gene have been associated with various human diseases, including cancer. Loss of WWOX expression or function has been observed in several types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. This suggests that WWOX plays a critical role in preventing the development and progression of tumors.

Furthermore, studies have shown that WWOX expression levels can serve as a prognostic marker in certain cancers. Reduced WWOX expression has been correlated with poor patient outcomes, indicating its potential as a predictive biomarker for disease progression and response to treatment.

Role in Neurological Disorders

In addition to its involvement in cancer, WWOX has also been implicated in neurological disorders. Studies have shown that alterations in WWOX expression or function can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. WWOX has been found to regulate the clearance of toxic protein aggregates and protect against neuronal cell death, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for these disorders.

See Also

• Chromosome 16
• Tumor suppressor gene
• Apoptosis
• Neurodegenerative diseases