GSK3B Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Beta (GSK3β) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. It is one of the two isoforms of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK3), the other being GSK3α. GSK3β is highly conserved and is involved in numerous signaling pathways that regulate essential cellular functions.
GSK3 exists in two major isoforms: GSK3α and GSK3β. These isoforms are encoded by two distinct genes, GSK3A and GSK3B, respectively. Despite their high homology within the kinase domains (approximately 98% identity), they have different functions. GSK3β is particularly important for its role in various signaling pathways and cellular processes .
GSK3β is involved in a wide range of cellular functions, including:
- Glycogen Metabolism: It regulates glycogen synthesis by phosphorylating and inhibiting glycogen synthase.
- Cell Cycle Control: GSK3β influences cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Apoptosis: It plays a role in programmed cell death.
- Embryonic Development: GSK3β is crucial for proper development during the embryonic stages.
- Cell Differentiation and Motility: It affects how cells differentiate and move.
- Microtubule Function: GSK3β is involved in the regulation of microtubules, which are essential for cell structure and transport.
- Inflammation: It modulates inflammatory responses, particularly through the regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activity .
GSK3β has been implicated in various diseases, including:
- Diabetes: As a regulator of glucose homeostasis, GSK3β is a target for diabetes treatment.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: It is involved in the pathogenesis of diseases like Alzheimer’s due to its role in tau phosphorylation.
- Cancer: GSK3β can act as both a tumor suppressor and promoter, depending on the context.
- Inflammatory Diseases: Its role in modulating inflammation makes it a potential target for treating inflammatory conditions .
Human recombinant GSK3β is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which allows for the production of large quantities of the protein for research and therapeutic purposes. This recombinant form retains the functional properties of the native protein and is used in various studies to understand its role in cellular processes and disease mechanisms .
