PENK: A Potential Drug Target for Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Target Name: PENK

NCBI ID: G5179

PENK

PENK: A Potential Drug Target for Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases

PENK (Prolyl hydroxylase enzyme 237-258) is a protein that is expressed in various tissues throughout the body. It is a key enzyme in the hydroxylation of proteins, which is a process that involves the addition of a hydroxyl group to specific amino acids. This modification has important functional roles in various cellular processes, including cell signaling, tissue repair, and inflammation.

Recent studies have identified PENK as a potential drug target or biomarker for various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. In this article, we will explore the biology and potential therapeutic applications of PENK.

Phenomenology and Expression

PENK is a 23.1 kDa protein that is expressed in a variety of tissues, including muscle, heart, liver, kidney, and brain. It is highly conserved across different species, with only minor differences in its sequence. PENK is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cytoplasm.

Function and mechanism

PENK is involved in the hydroxylation of various proteins, including casein, alpha-actinin, and myosin. This process involves the addition of a hydroxyl group to the specific amino acid residue, which results in the formation of a new side chain. The hydroxyl group has important structural and functional roles, as it can modulate the activity and localization of the target protein.

PENK is a key enzyme in the regulation of protein homeostasis, as it helps to maintain the proper structural and functional state of proteins. It is also involved in the regulation of cellular signaling pathways, as it has been shown to interact with various signaling molecules, including TGF-beta, Wnt, and NF-kappa-B.

PENK is a good candidate for a drug target due to its unique function and the potential impact it could have on various diseases. Its role in protein homeostasis and its involvement in cellular signaling pathways make it an attractive target for small molecule inhibitors or recombinant proteins.

Drugs that can modulate PENK activity have the potential to treat various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. For example, inhibitors of PENK have been shown to have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects in various models (8, 9 ).

Antibodies against PENK have also been shown to have therapeutic effects in various diseases, including cancer (10, 11). These antibodies have the potential to selectively target PENK and prevent its activation, which could be a more effective and safer alternative to inhibitors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PENK is a protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of protein homeostasis and cellular signaling pathways. Its unique function and potential as a drug target make it an attractive target for small molecule inhibitors and recombinant proteins. Further research is needed to fully understand the biology and therapeutic potential of PENK, including its potential as a cancer and neurodegenerative disease treatment.

Protein Name: Proenkephalin

Functions: Neuropeptide that competes with and mimic the effects of opiate drugs. They play a role in a number of physiologic functions, including pain perception and responses to stress

The "PENK Target / Biomarker Review Report" is a customizable review of hundreds up to thousends of related scientific research literature by AI technology, covering specific information about PENK comprehensively, including but not limited to:
•   general information;
•   protein structure and compound binding;
•   protein biological mechanisms;
•   its importance;
•   the target screening and validation;
•   expression level;
•   disease relevance;
•   drug resistance;
•   related combination drugs;
•   pharmacochemistry experiments;
•   related patent analysis;
•   advantages and risks of development, etc.
The report is helpful for project application, drug molecule design, research progress updates, publication of research papers, patent applications, etc. If you are interested to get a full version of this report, please feel free to contact us at BD@silexon.ai

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