NRG1 A Human

Neuregulin-1 (NRG1), also known as Heregulin, is a member of the neuregulin family of structurally related glycoproteins. These proteins are known for their role in cell signaling and interaction with the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases. NRG1 is particularly significant due to its involvement in various biological processes, including neural development, cardiac function, and cancer progression.

NRG1 is produced through alternative splicing of the NRG1 gene, resulting in multiple isoforms. These isoforms can be broadly categorized into two main types based on their EGF-like domain: NRG1-alpha and NRG1-beta. The EGF-like domain is crucial for binding to ErbB receptors and initiating downstream signaling pathways .

NRG1 plays a pivotal role in the development and function of the nervous system and heart. It is involved in the differentiation and proliferation of Schwann cells, which are essential for myelination in the peripheral nervous system . Additionally, NRG1 is critical for the development of the neuromuscular junction and the regulation of neurotransmitter receptor expression .

In the heart, NRG1 is essential for cardiac development and function. It promotes the survival, growth, and differentiation of cardiac cells, and is involved in the response to cardiac injury .

NRG1 exerts its effects by binding to the ErbB family of receptors, specifically ErbB3 and ErbB4. Upon binding, these receptors dimerize and undergo autophosphorylation, activating various intracellular signaling pathways such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways . These pathways are involved in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.

Recombinant human NRG1-alpha (EGF domain) is produced using recombinant DNA technology. It is typically expressed in bacterial or mammalian cell systems and purified for research and therapeutic applications. The recombinant protein retains the biological activity of the native protein and is used in various studies to understand its role in cell signaling and disease .

Recombinant NRG1 is widely used in research to study its role in neural and cardiac development, as well as its involvement in cancer. It is also being explored as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure, and certain types of cancer .