The word "Cyclophilin A" is spelled as /saɪkləʊfɪlɪn eɪ/. The IPA phonetic transcription reveals that the first part is pronounced as "saɪkləʊ", which denotes "cyclo-", meaning "ring" or "circle". The second part "fɪlɪn" indicates that it belongs to the class of proteins called "peptidyl-prolyl isomerases" or "PPIases". The final part "eɪ" represents the letter "A". Thus, Cyclophilin A is a type of protein that belongs to the family of PPIases and is involved in immune modulation and viral replication.
Cyclophilin A, also known as CypA, is a protein belonging to the cyclophilin family. It is defined as a cytosolic protein that exhibits peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. PPIase activity refers to the ability of the protein to catalyze the cis-trans isomerization of peptidyl-prolyl bonds in proteins. Cyclophilin A is one of the main isoforms of cyclophilins found in humans and is encoded by the PPIA gene.
Cyclophilin A has been widely studied due to its involvement in various cellular processes and diseases. It plays a vital role in protein folding, particularly in facilitating the correct folding of newly synthesized proteins by catalyzing the cis-trans isomerization of proline residues. This activity is crucial for the proper functioning and stability of proteins.
Additionally, Cyclophilin A has been implicated in several pathological conditions, including viral infections, inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers. It interacts with different cellular factors and viral proteins, influencing viral replication and infection. Moreover, the protein has been associated with inflammatory responses, as it activates immune cells and promotes the release of inflammatory molecules.
Overall, Cyclophilin A is a cytosolic protein possessing peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity, essential for protein folding and stability. Its involvement in cellular processes and diseases has made it the subject of extensive research.
The term "Cyclophilin A" has a scientific etymology derived from the combination of two elements:
1. "Cyclophilin": The term "cyclophilin" is derived from the words "cyclo" meaning "circle" or "ring" and "phil" meaning "love" or "affinity for". It refers to a family of proteins that have an affinity for cyclosporine, a cyclic peptide drug used to suppress the immune system. The term was coined by Jean-François Borel, who discovered the immunosuppressive properties of cyclosporine in the 1970s.
2. "A": The letter "A" is used to denote a specific isoform or subtype within the cyclophilin family. It distinguishes Cyclophilin A from other closely related proteins within the same family.