The merlin interacting proteins have multiple targets for NF2 therapy.
Merlin, also known as schwannomin, is a protein encoded by the NF2 gene.
It acts as a tumor suppressor, playing a critical role in regulating cell growth and maintaining the stability of the cell membrane by linking the cell membrane to the cytoskeleton.
Merlin is a cytoskeletal protein that seems to be involved in the regulation of cell growth.
The proper function of Merlin is crucial in preventing cells from becoming cancerous.
Mutations in the NF2 gene can lead to a loss of Merlin function and are associated with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a genetic disorder characterized by the development of non-cancerous tumors in the nervous system, particularly on the nerves responsible for hearing and balance.
NF2 is caused by a defect in the gene that normally gives rise to Merlin or Schwannomin, located on chromosome 22 band q11-13.1.
Merlin is a structural protein functioning as an actin cytoskeleton regulator.
Merlin regulates multiple proliferative signalling cascades such as receptor tyrosine kinase signalling, p21-activated kinase signalling, Ras signalling, MEK-ERK cascade, MST-YAP cascade.
Merlin is expressed in a variety of cell types where it localizes to areas of membrane remodeling, particularly membrane ruffles.
The NF2-encoded protein, dubbed Merlin (or schwannomin), is a member of the ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) family of cytoskeleton:membrane linker proteins, placing it as a tumor suppressor protein.
Merlin may function to control the localization of signaling molecules through its effects on actin cytoskeletal reorganization.
The merlin interacting proteins reveal multiple targets for NF2 therapy.
This superfamily of proteins is involved in membrane organization with respect to the cytoskeleton.
Many of the proteins that interact with merlin also bind several proteins found in the protein 4.1 superfamily.
Merlin binds weakly to the actin cytoskeleton by the N-terminus of the protein.
Merlin forms several associations: intramolecular associations as well as interactions with CD44, actin and HRS (hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate).
Merlin might regulate cell growth and motility by integrating the growth-promoting and arrest signals initiated by CD44 and hepatocyte growth factor receptor activation.
The closed conformation form of merlin, is required for the protein’s tumor-suppressing activity.
The NF2 gene functions as a tumor suppressor.
There is a loss of function of both alleles in NF2-associated tumors
Merlin in its active form is a suppressor of growth and is folded and unphosphorylated at serine 518, which prevents the C-terminal domain to bind the N-terminal domain.
The wizard requires protein stability to function as a tumor suppressor.