Small Glutamine-Rich Tetratricopeptide Repeat-Containing Protein Alpha (SGTA) is a 35 kDa protein involved in various biological processes. It is known for its role as a co-chaperone and regulator of androgen and growth hormone receptor signaling. SGTA has been studied in the context of several diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
SGTA contains tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) motifs, which are known for mediating protein-protein interactions. These motifs allow SGTA to interact with other proteins, including androgen receptors (AR) and growth hormone receptors (GHR). SGTA acts as a molecular co-chaperone, assisting in the proper folding and functioning of these receptors .
SGTA has been identified as a candidate gene for PCOS, a complex genetic disease characterized by hyperandrogenism, menstrual dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Studies have shown that SGTA may play a role in androgen signaling as a co-chaperone. Polymorphisms in the SGTA gene have been associated with PCOS, suggesting a potential role in its pathogenesis .
SGTA has also been implicated in the tumorigenesis of NSCLC. It is highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and is significantly correlated with histological differentiation, clinical stage, and proliferation markers such as Ki-67. Suppression of SGTA expression has been shown to reduce the proliferation of NSCLC cells, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target .