PLECKSTRIN HOMOLOGY Meaning and
Definition
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Pleckstrin homology (PH) is a protein domain found in a wide range of eukaryotic organisms, including animals, plants, and fungi. It was initially identified in the protein pleckstrin, hence the name, but has since been identified in numerous other proteins as well.
The pleckstrin homology domain is approximately 120 amino acids long and is characterized by its ability to bind to certain phospholipids, such as phosphatidylinositol phosphates, in a calcium-dependent manner. This domain plays a crucial role in regulating diverse cellular processes, including signal transduction, cytoskeletal organization, membrane trafficking, and cell adhesion.
Structurally, the pleckstrin homology domain consists of a seven-stranded beta-sheet surrounded by several alpha helices. It contains a binding pocket that interacts with phospholipid molecules, enabling it to localize to the plasma membrane or other cellular compartments enriched in phospholipids. The affinity of the pleckstrin homology domain for different phospholipids varies depending on the specific protein in which it is found.
Due to its versatility and involvement in numerous cellular processes, the pleckstrin homology domain is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Research on the pleckstrin homology domain has contributed significantly to our understanding of cellular signaling and has opened avenues for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting this domain.
Common Misspellings for PLECKSTRIN HOMOLOGY
- oleckstrin homology
- lleckstrin homology
- 0leckstrin homology
- pkeckstrin homology
- ppeckstrin homology
- poeckstrin homology
- plwckstrin homology
- plsckstrin homology
- pldckstrin homology
- plrckstrin homology
- pl4ckstrin homology
- pl3ckstrin homology
- plexkstrin homology
- plevkstrin homology
- plefkstrin homology
- pledkstrin homology
- plecjstrin homology
- plecmstrin homology
- pleclstrin homology
- plecostrin homology
Etymology of PLECKSTRIN HOMOLOGY
The word "pleckstrin" originates from a protein called "pleckstrin" that was discovered in platelets. Platelets are small blood cell fragments involved in blood clotting. Pleckstrin was first identified in the 1980s, and its name was derived from "pleckstrin strip" due to its elongated shape.
The term "homology" comes from the Greek words "homós" meaning "same" and "lógos" meaning "relation" or "study". In biology, homology refers to a similarity in structure, function, or origin between different organisms or parts of the same organism. It is often used to describe similar domains or regions in proteins.
Therefore, "pleckstrin homology" refers to a specific protein domain or region that exhibits structural and functional similarities to the pleckstrin protein.
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