AsianScientist (Nov. 17, 2016) – Researchers at the University of Tokyo have found that a protein called parafibromin acts like a computer logic board within the cell by integrating and converting multiple disparate signals from into appropriate responses. This finding, published in Nature Communications, paves the way for innovative therapeutics and preventive measures against conditions caused by the faulty integration of signals within the cell.
In multicellular organisms, morphogen signaling pathways—which help determine the structure and location of tissues and other materials—mediate communication between cells, thereby playing essential roles in embryonic development and maintaining the internal stability (homeostasis) of adult tissues. However, very little is known about the mechanism through which a single cell perceives and integrates signals simultaneously activated in response to two or more distinct morphogens so as to generate appropriate transcriptional output and adequate cellular responses.
In the present study, the research group led by Professor Masanori Hatakeyama and Project Researcher Ippei Kikuchi at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine discovered that parafibromin, a protein found in the cell’s nucleus, interacts with the transcriptional coactivators of three major morphogen signaling pathways (Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch pathways) to control the expression of genes appropriate to the cellular context.
The researchers concluded that parafibromin is a molecule that functions much like the logic board of a computer, integrating signal inputs transmitted by distinct devices and converting them into appropriate outputs.
“Even in humans, deregulation of signaling pathways leads to a variety of diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders,” says Hatakeyema. He continues, “We hope the present work paves the way for the development of new therapeutics for such intractable diseases, as well as leading toward prevention.”
The article can be found at: Kikuchi et al. (2016) Dephosphorylated Parafibromin is a Transcriptional Coactivator of the Wnt/Hedgehog/Notch Pathways.
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Source: University of Tokyo; Photo: Pixabay.
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