NudC (Nuclear Distribution C) is a protein coding gene that plays a crucial role in mitosis and cytokinesis. It was first identified in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans as an upstream regulator of NudF, whose mammalian homolog is Lissencephaly 1 (Lis1). NudC is conserved from fungi to mammals and is involved in various cellular processes, including nuclear migration, spindle formation during mitosis, and microtubule organization during cytokinesis .
NudC plays an essential role in nuclear migration, which is crucial for the growth, development, and cellular function of eukaryotes. It is a part of the dynein complex and is involved in stabilizing the components of the LIS1/dynein complex. This stabilization is vital for proper cell cycle regulation, cell migration, ciliogenesis, thrombopoiesis, and the inflammatory response .
Recombinant human NudC protein is typically expressed in HEK293 cells and is used for various research purposes. The recombinant protein consists of 342 amino acids and has a predicted molecular mass of 39.7 kDa. It is supplied in a sterile buffer and is stable for up to twelve months when stored under appropriate conditions .
NudC and its homologs, NudCL and NudCL2, have been implicated in several clinical conditions. For instance, NudCL is essential for the stability of the dynein intermediate chain and ciliogenesis, while NudCL2 regulates the LIS1/dynein pathway by stabilizing LIS1 with the Hsp90 chaperone. Additionally, a distantly related member of the NudC family, CML66, is a tumor-associated antigen in human leukemia and appears to promote oncogenesis by regulating the IGF-1R-MAPK signaling pathway .