title: The S-100: a protein family in search of a function.
abstract: The S-100 is a group of low molecular weight (10-12 kD) calcium-binding proteins highly conserved among vertebrates. It is present in different tissues as dimers of homologous or different subunits (alpha, beta). In the nervous system, the S-100 exists as a mixture composed of beta beta and alpha beta dimers with the monomer beta represented more often. Its intracellular localisation is mainly restricted to the glial cytoplasmic compartment with a small fraction bound to membranes. In this compartment the S-100 acts as a potent inhibitor of phosphorylation on several substrates including the synaptosomal C-Kinase and Tau, a microtubule-associated protein. The S-100 in particular conditions, after binding with specific membrane sites (Kd = 0.2 microM; Bmax = 4.5 nM), is able to modify the activity of adenylate cyclase, probably via G-proteins. In addition, the Ca2+ homeostasis is also modulated by S-100 via an increase of specific membrane conductance and/or Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. "In vitro" and "in vivo" experiments showed that lower (nM) concentrations of extracellular S-100 beta act on glial and neuronal cells as a growth-differentiating factor. On the other hand, higher concentrations of the protein induce apoptosis of some cells such as the sympathetic-like PC12 line. Finally, data obtained from physiological (development, ageing) or pathological (dementia associated with Down's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease) conditions showed that a relationship could be established between the S-100 levels and some aspects of the statii.
authors.affiliation: Instituto di Fisiopatologia Medica, Università G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fanò
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Biocca
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fulle
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Mariggiò
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Belia
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Calissano
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010766:Phosphorylation; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D009418:S100 Proteins