PEBP1 was first identified through a yeast two-hybrid screen as a protein that interacts with RAF1, a kinase involved in the MAPK signaling pathway . The protein inhibits the phosphorylation and activation of MEK by RAF1, thereby regulating the proliferation and differentiation of various cell types . The gene encoding PEBP1 has been cloned and characterized in multiple species, including humans, mice, and rats .
PEBP1 is a small protein with a molecular mass of approximately 23 kDa . It is highly conserved across species, with the human and bovine proteins sharing 95% identity . The protein is expressed in various tissues, with particularly high levels in the brain and testis . In the brain, PEBP1 is strongly expressed in the cell bodies of oligodendrocytes .
PEBP1 is involved in several critical cellular processes:
PEBP1 has been studied for its potential role in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. It has been proposed as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease due to its ability to suppress the Raf1-MAPK pathway . Additionally, alterations in PEBP1 expression have been associated with certain types of cancer .
Recombinant PEBP1, particularly from mouse sources, is commonly used in research to study its functions and interactions. The recombinant protein is produced using various expression systems and is utilized in assays such as ELISA and Western blotting to investigate its role in different cellular processes .