title: Multi-functional gene ASY/Nogo/RTN-X/RTN4: apoptosis, tumor suppression, and inhibition of neuronal regeneration.
abstract: ASY, also designated Nogo, RTN-X, or RTN4, is a reticulon family protein containing two transmembrane domains and a C-terminal double lysine endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retrieval motif. Three protein variants are synthesized from the cognate mRNAs produced by alternative splicing, and are expressed in almost all tissues, localizing predominantly in the ER. The ASY protein induces apoptosis in various cancer cells when overexpressed, whereas normal cells are relatively resistant to ASY-dependent apoptosis. Furthermore, transcription of this gene is suppressed in certain types of cancers, suggesting that ASY may act to suppress tumor development. Although the physiological function of this protein has not been well defined, Nogo-A protein, the large variant of ASY, has been shown to inhibit neuronal regeneration in the central nervous system. Therefore, the products of this gene may be multi-functional, regulating apoptosis, tumor development, and neuronal regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Watari
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yutsudo
mesh_terms: D017398:Alternative Splicing; D020816:Amino Acid Motifs; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002273:Carcinogens; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000473:pathology; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000378:metabolism; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009185:Myelin Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D000070798:Nogo Proteins; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012038:Regeneration; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D000070798:Nogo Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C000603199:RTN4 protein, human