Anti-GC-C antibody

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

GC-C also known as guanylate cyclase C is an enzyme with mass around 120 kDa expressed mainly in the intestinal epithelium. This membrane-bound receptor plays an important role in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance in the intestine. GC-C gets activated by its ligands including bacterial heat-stable enterotoxins as well as endogenous peptides like guanylin and uroguanylin. Upon activation GC-C catalyzes the conversion of GTP to cGMP thereby initiating a signaling cascade that affects ion transport in intestinal cells.

Biological function summary

GC-C is part of a signaling mechanism involved in maintaining fluid balance and gut homeostasis. The enzyme participates in the cGMP-mediated signaling pathway essential for modulating chloride and bicarbonate ion secretion leading to water loss into the intestinal lumen. GC-C does not work in isolation but cooperates with other molecules to facilitate these functions. Specifically it associates with ion transporters and channels influencing the enteric nervous system.

Pathways

GC-C functions within the cGMP pathway which is critical for intestinal fluid regulation. GC-C also connects with the Wnt signaling pathway an important metabolic relay influencing cell proliferation and differentiation. By producing cGMP GC-C influences down-stream proteins such as protein kinase G (PKG) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). These proteins play pivotal roles in maintaining the physiological processes in the intestine.

Associated diseases and disorders

GC-C relates to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colorectal cancer. Overactivation of GC-C by bacterial toxins can lead to enterotoxigenic diarrhea common in IBS. Its role in colorectal cancer arises from dysregulated signaling pathways affecting cellular growth. Mutations and alterations in GC-C expression may contribute to cancer progression. Furthermore GC-C-related dysregulation can involve other proteins like E-cadherin which modulates cell adhesion in tumor pathways complicating disease dynamics.