The AIDA gene is located on chromosome 1 and is a protein-coding gene . The protein encoded by this gene is involved in various cellular processes, including the regulation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway . AIDA acts as a ventralizing factor during embryogenesis by inhibiting axin-mediated JNK activation . This inhibition occurs through the binding of AIDA to axin, which disrupts axin homodimerization . Consequently, AIDA antagonizes a Wnt/beta-catenin-independent dorsalization pathway activated by AXIN/JNK-signaling .
AIDA’s primary function is to regulate the JNK pathway, which is essential for various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis . By inhibiting axin-mediated JNK activation, AIDA plays a critical role in maintaining the balance between ventral and dorsal cell fates during embryonic development . This regulation is vital for proper embryogenesis and the formation of various tissues and organs.
AIDA is predicted to be located in the cytoplasm and is active in the membrane . It is expressed in various tissues, including lymphoid tissue, bone marrow, testis, and skeletal muscle . The protein’s expression profile suggests its involvement in multiple physiological processes, such as immune response, protein ubiquitination, and spermatid development .
The unique C2 domain of AIDA is responsible for its interaction with axin . This interaction negatively regulates the axin-mediated JNK pathway, thereby modulating cellular signaling and embryonic development . The disruption of axin homodimerization by AIDA is a key mechanism through which it exerts its ventralizing effects .
While the specific clinical implications of AIDA are still under investigation, its role in regulating the JNK pathway and embryogenesis suggests potential involvement in developmental disorders and diseases related to cellular signaling dysregulation . Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical significance of AIDA and its potential as a therapeutic target.