Anti-Neurogenin3/NGN-3 antibody

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Neurogenin3 (NGN-3) also known as NGN3 or NEUROD3 is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor with a molecular weight of approximately 22 kDa. Neurogenin3 is important in regulating the commitment of progenitor cells to endocrine pancreas development. It expresses mainly in the pancreas and its expression also extends to parts of the developing nervous system. Researchers often look for these expression patterns to identify cell lineage determination processes.

Biological function summary

Neurogenin3 plays a significant role in the differentiation of endocrine cells within the pancreas. Neurogenin3 functions by binding to specific DNA sequences initiating the transcription of genes necessary for endocrine cell maturation. It does not operate as part of a large complex but acts by recruiting other co-factors to modulate the gene expression directly. Through its transcriptional activity neurogenin3 initiates a cascade of events leading to the differentiation of pancreatic progenitor cells into distinct endocrine lineages such as insulin-producing beta cells.

Pathways

Neurogenin3 integrates into dynamic signaling networks that guide the differentiation process of pancreatic progenitor cells. Notably neurogenin3 is a vital component of the Notch signaling pathway which it helps regulate by activating and repressing genes that determine cell fate. Neurogenin3 interacts with other important proteins such as HES1 and PAX4 within these pathways. The tight balance between these factors and neurogenin3 expression levels determines the progression of progenitor cells into specific cell types.

Associated diseases and disorders

Neurogenin3 correlates closely with diabetes mellitus and congenital malformations of the pancreas. Mutations in the NGN3 gene result in impaired development of the endocrine pancreas often leading to neonatal diabetes and congenital hyperinsulinism. In connection with diabetic conditions alterations in neurogenin3 expression levels can disrupt normal beta-cell development promoting diabetes onset. Additionally related proteins like NEUROD1 play a role in these disorders suggesting overlapping regulatory mechanisms that emphasize the importance of neurogenin3 in maintaining proper pancreatic function.