NENF
Domain
The cytochrome b5 heme-binding domain was proven to bind heme, although it lacks the conserved iron-binding His residue at position 82.
Function
Acts as a neurotrophic factor in postnatal mature neurons enhancing neuronal survival (PubMed:31536960). Promotes cell proliferation and neurogenesis in undifferentiated neural progenitor cells at the embryonic stage and inhibits differentiation of astrocytes (By similarity). Its neurotrophic activity is exerted via MAPK1/ERK2, MAPK3/ERK1 and AKT1/AKT pathways (By similarity). Neurotrophic activity is enhanced by binding to heme (By similarity). Acts also as an anorexigenic neurotrophic factor that contributes to energy balance (By similarity).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the cytochrome b5 family. MAPR subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Ubiquitously expressed with high expression in heart. Over-expressed in various tumors including carcinomas of the uterine cervix, lymphoma, colon, lung, skin and leukemia, as well as carcinoma of the breast.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
- Extracellular space
- Mitochondrion
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- Localized to mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum by PINK1 and PARK7.
Alternative names
CIR2, SPUF, NENF, Neudesin, Cell immortalization-related protein 2, Neuron-derived neurotrophic factor, Protein GIG47, Secreted protein of unknown function, SPUF protein