title: The N-myc downstream regulated gene (NDRG) family: diverse functions, multiple applications.
abstract: The N-myc downstream regulated gene (NDRG) family of proteins consists of 4 members, NDRG1-4, which are well conserved through evolution. The first member to be discovered and responsible for the family name was NDRG1, because its expression is repressed by the proto-oncogenes MYCN and MYC. All family members are characterized by an α/β hydrolase-fold motif; however, the precise molecular and cellular function of these family members has not been fully elucidated. Although the exact function of NDRG family members has not been clearly elucidated, emerging evidence suggests that mutations in these genes are associated with diverse neurological and electrophysiological syndromes. In addition, aberrant expression as well as tumor suppressor and oncogenic functions affecting key hallmarks of carcinogenesis such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion, and stress response have been reported for several of the NDRG proteins. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the NDRG family members concerning their structure, origin, and tissue distribution. In addition, we review the current knowledge regarding the regulation and signaling of the NDRG family members in development and normal physiology. Finally, their role in disease and potential clinical applications (their role as detection or prognostic markers) are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Veerle
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Melotte
authors.forename: Xianghu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Qu
authors.forename: Maté
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ongenaert
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: van Criekinge
authors.forename: Adriaan P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: de Bruïne
authors.forename: H Scott
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Manon
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van Engeland
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology; D010802:Phylogeny; D000099259:N-myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 1 Protein
chemical_list: D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D000099259:N-myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 1 Protein