The PNMA gene family is highly expressed in the brain, testis, and heart. MOAP1, in particular, is a resident protein in the mitochondria . The PNMA genes are distributed across various chromosomes, with PNMA1 and PNMA4 located on human chromosome 14, and other members like PNMA8A, PNMA8B, and PNMA8C localized to chromosome 19 .
MOAP1 interacts with the BAX protein, which is one of the most important regulators of apoptosis . BAX is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family and plays a pivotal role in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. The interaction between MOAP1 and BAX is essential for the initiation of apoptosis, particularly in response to death receptor signaling .
MOAP1 is associated with several diseases, including cancers and neurological disorders . Its role in apoptosis makes it a critical player in the development and progression of these diseases. For instance, in cancer, the dysregulation of apoptosis can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. MOAP1’s interaction with BAX and other apoptotic regulators is crucial in maintaining the balance between cell survival and cell death .
In neurological diseases, MOAP1 has been implicated in conditions such as ischemic stroke. Studies have shown that MOAP1 overexpression can exacerbate ischemic injuries, while its deficiency can reduce neuronal loss and improve neurological functions . This suggests that MOAP1 could be a potential therapeutic target for treating acute ischemic injuries .
The biological mechanisms underlying MOAP1’s role in diseases involve its regulation of genes related to apoptosis, such as BAX and RASSF1A, and its interaction with disease-associated microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-25 and miR-1228 . These interactions highlight the complex regulatory network in which MOAP1 operates and its significance in cellular homeostasis.
Future research on MOAP1 is likely to focus on its potential roles in neurodegenerative disorders and other diseases. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which MOAP1 regulates apoptosis and its interactions with other cellular proteins could lead to new therapeutic strategies for a variety of diseases .