Recombinant Human Calcipressin 1/RCAN1 protein

Supplementary information

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

Calcipressin 1 also known as RCAN1 is a protein that plays a central role in regulating calcineurin activity. This protein weighs around 29-31 kDa. It is found in various human tissues especially in the heart brain and skeletal muscle. By binding to calcineurin RCAN1 inhibits its phosphatase activity influencing cellular pathways that rely on calcium signaling.

Biological function summary

Within the cell RCAN1 functions as a modulator of calcineurin-dependent transcriptional activity. It interacts with several proteins including those in the signaling complex linked to the NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells). By managing the activity of calcineurin RCAN1 influences the transcription of genes involved in growth development and immune responses. Therefore its role is critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis and response to changes in calcium levels.

Pathways

RCAN1 impacts the calcineurin-NFAT signaling and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathways. In the calcineurin-NFAT pathway RCAN1 influences T-cell activation and the immune response by modulating NFAT's transcriptional activity. Moreover the MAPK pathway which is important for cell proliferation and differentiation sees regulation through RCAN1's action on calcineurin interfacing with kinases like JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) to adjust signaling outputs.

Alterations in RCAN1 expression or function associate with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Increased RCAN1 levels often seen in Down syndrome lead to reduced calcineurin function affecting neuronal signaling pathways. In Alzheimer's disease the interaction with proteins like Tau contributes to neurodegenerative processes. Understanding RCAN1's involvement provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for these conditions.