MCTS1 is a protein-coding gene that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the cell cycle. It decreases cell doubling time and promotes anchorage-dependent growth . The protein encoded by MCTS1 is involved in the initiation of translation, a process essential for protein synthesis. It promotes the recruitment of aminoacylated initiator tRNA to the P site of 40S ribosomes, facilitating the translation process .
Additionally, MCTS1 has been shown to increase the activity of CDK4 and CDK6 kinases and elevate the levels of CCND1/cyclin D1 protein, which are critical for the G1/S transition in the cell cycle . This makes MCTS1 a significant player in cell proliferation and growth.
The oncogenic potential of MCTS1 is highlighted by its amplification in malignant T-cell lymphomas. When constitutively expressed, MCTS1 can hyperactivate DNA damage signaling pathways, leading to increased phosphorylation of histone H2AX and the formation of damage foci . This suggests that MCTS1 may contribute to the genomic instability observed in cancer cells.
Recombinant MCTS1 proteins are produced using various expression systems, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), yeast, and mammalian cells . These recombinant proteins are used in research to study the function of MCTS1 and its role in cancer. They are also utilized in various assays, including ELISA and Western blotting, to detect and quantify MCTS1 protein levels .
Recombinant MCTS1 proteins are typically tagged with purification tags such as His or GST to facilitate their purification and detection . These proteins are available in different forms, including full-length proteins and specific fragments, to suit various research needs .
Given its role in cell cycle regulation and oncogenesis, MCTS1 is a potential target for cancer therapy. Understanding the function and regulation of MCTS1 could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting this protein in T-cell malignancies and other cancers.