Pituitary Tumor-Transforming Protein 1 (PTTG1), also known as securin, is a protein encoded by the PTTG1 gene in humans. It plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation, particularly in the separation of sister chromatids during mitosis. PTTG1 has garnered significant attention due to its involvement in various cancers and its potential as a therapeutic target.
PTTG1 was first identified in the context of pituitary tumors, where it was found to be overexpressed. The protein consists of 202 amino acids and contains a PXXP motif, which is crucial for its interaction with other proteins. The structure of PTTG1 allows it to bind to and inhibit separase, an enzyme responsible for cleaving cohesin complexes that hold sister chromatids together.
PTTG1 is a multifunctional protein with several roles in cellular processes:
PTTG1 is overexpressed in various cancers, including pituitary adenomas, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, leukemia, lymphoma, and lung cancer . Its overexpression is often correlated with poor prognosis and increased tumor aggressiveness. Due to its role in tumorigenesis, PTTG1 is considered a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Given its involvement in cancer, PTTG1 is a promising target for therapeutic interventions. Strategies to inhibit PTTG1 expression or function could potentially suppress tumor growth and improve patient outcomes. Research is ongoing to develop specific inhibitors and immunotherapies targeting PTTG1 .