Recombinant Human MBD4/MED1 protein

Supplementary information

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

The MBD4 protein also known as MED1 is essential in DNA repair and gene regulation. MBD4 contains a methyl-CpG-binding domain allowing it to bind specifically to methylated DNA. The protein has a molecular weight of about 63 kDa. It is expressed in various tissues with higher levels in bone marrow and lymphoid tissues. MBD4 can recognize and excise mismatched T/G base pairs at methylated CpG sites which is important for maintaining genomic stability.

Biological function summary

MBD4 participates in the protection of genome integrity. It is involved in the DNA demethylation process ensuring proper gene expression patterns. MBD4 functions as part of complex DNA repair machinery. By working with other repair proteins MBD4 facilitates the correction of errors arising during DNA replication and demethylation reducing the risk of mutation accumulation and genomic instability.

Pathways

MBD4 plays a significant role in the base excision repair (BER) pathway. This pathway is key for correcting DNA damage caused by deamination and other forms of DNA alteration. In the BER pathway MBD4 cooperates with proteins like DNA glycosylases to identify and remove incorrect bases from the DNA strand. MBD4 also interacts with transcriptional regulation pathways influencing how genes are expressed in response to changes in the epigenetic landscape.

The malfunction of MBD4 links to colorectal cancer and other forms of cancer. Deficiency or mutations in the MBD4 gene increase the likelihood of mutation accumulation leading to tumorigenesis. MBD4's interactions with other proteins involved in DNA repair such as MLH1 highlight its role in maintaining DNA integrity. Genetic instability from impaired MBD4 function could trigger or exacerbate progression of cancerous conditions.