Anti-Alpha-crystallin hspX antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Alpha-crystallin hspX also known as heat shock protein X or Acr1 functions as a molecular chaperone within cells. It helps proteins maintain their proper folding under stress conditions preventing aggregation. With a molecular weight of approximately 16 kDa alpha-crystallin hspX is expressed in various tissues including the eye lens and certain types of bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This protein plays a significant role in cellular defense against environmental stressors.

Biological function summary

Alpha-crystallin hspX contributes to the stability and transparency of the eye lens by avoiding protein aggregation and maintaining lens crystallin clarity. In bacteria it forms part of a complex that assists in survival under hostile conditions such as heat shock or nutrient deprivation promoting bacterial persistence. This protein features small heat shock protein domains allowing it to interact with unstable proteins facilitating their refolding or marking them for degradation.

Pathways

Alpha-crystallin hspX engages in the stress response pathway protecting cells under various stress scenarios. In the eye lens it relates to the maintenance of lens transparency through the interaction with other crystallins. In bacterial cells it connects to the dormancy survival programs aiding in the organism's ability to withstand prolonged periods in hostile environments. Alpha-crystallin hspX often associates with other heat shock proteins enhancing the cell's ability to survive stress.

Associated diseases and disorders

Alpha-crystallin hspX links to cataract formation due to its role in maintaining lens transparency. A disruption in its function can lead to protein aggregation contributing to lens opacity. Another connection exists with tuberculosis where it influences the bacteria's ability to remain dormant in the host. The interaction between alpha-crystallin hspX and mycobacterial latency proteins is important as it aids in the pathogen's persistence within the host’s immune system complicating treatment and eradication strategies.