SCHWANNOMIN PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Schwannomin protein, also known as merlin or neurofibromin 2 (NF2), is a tumor suppressor protein that plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth and division. It is primarily found in Schwann cells, which are responsible for supporting and insulating nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system.
The schwannomin protein is encoded by the NF2 gene, located on chromosome 22, and consists of 595 amino acids. One of its key functions is to inhibit the growth-promoting signals by interacting with other proteins involved in cell cycle control and cell adhesion.
Mutations in the NF2 gene can lead to the loss of functional schwannomin protein, resulting in a genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). NF2 is characterized by the development of benign tumors, particularly schwannomas, in the nervous system, typically affecting the cranial and peripheral nerves. These tumors can cause various neurological symptoms, such as hearing loss, balance problems, and facial weakness.
The exact mechanisms by which schwanomin protein carries out its tumor suppressor functions are not fully understood. However, it is believed that schwannomin protein helps regulate cell growth by inhibiting the activity of certain signaling pathways, preventing abnormal cell proliferation and tumor formation.
Studying the role of schwannomin protein is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurofibromatosis type 2 and developing potential therapeutic strategies for the management of this disorder.
Common Misspellings for SCHWANNOMIN PROTEIN
- achwannomin protein
- zchwannomin protein
- xchwannomin protein
- dchwannomin protein
- echwannomin protein
- wchwannomin protein
- sxhwannomin protein
- svhwannomin protein
- sfhwannomin protein
- sdhwannomin protein
- scgwannomin protein
- scbwannomin protein
- scnwannomin protein
- scjwannomin protein
- scuwannomin protein
- scywannomin protein
- schqannomin protein
- schaannomin protein
- schsannomin protein
- scheannomin protein
Etymology of SCHWANNOMIN PROTEIN
The word "Schwannomin" is a scientific term, specifically referring to the tumor suppressor protein Neurofibromin 2. The etymology of the term can be understood by breaking it down into its components:
1. Schwann: The term "Schwann" refers to the Schwann cells, which are a type of supportive cells in the peripheral nervous system responsible for producing myelin, a substance that insulates nerve fibers. These cells are named after the German physiologist Theodor Schwann, who first described them in the mid-19th century.
2. -in: The suffix "-in" is often added to the end of a word in biology to denote a specific protein or substance. In this case, it is used to indicate that "Schwannomin" is a protein.
Combining these components, "Schwannomin" essentially refers to a protein associated with Schwann cells.
