NSUN2 (MISU) as a Drug Target and Biomarker: A Promising Find in the Study of neurodegenerative Disorders

Target Name: NSUN2

NCBI ID: G54888

NSUN2

NSUN2 (MISU) as a Drug Target and Biomarker: A Promising Find in the Study of neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders that affect the nervous system and result in progressive loss of cognitive and motor functions. These diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, are the leading causes of debility and death in the developed world. Although there are currently no cureable treatments available for these conditions, research continues to identify potential drug targets and biomarkers to improve our understanding of these debilitating diseases. In this article, we will explore the potential of NSUN2 (MISU) as a drug target and biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders.

The Identification of NSUN2 (MISU)

NSUN2 (MISU) is a gene that encodes a protein known as NSUN2 (MISU). The protein is expressed in various tissues of the body, including the brain, and is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change and adapt over time. The identification of NSUN2 (MISU) as a potential drug target and biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders was first proposed by researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in 2018.

The Prevalence of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing public health concern, with the number of cases projected to reach 6 million in the United States by 2030. These diseases are characterized by progressive loss of cognitive and motor functions, which can result in significant quality of life loss and even life expectancy reduction. The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, which affect an estimated 5.8 million and 1.9 million people, respectively, in the United States. Other neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affect an additional 2.8 million and 12.6 million people, respectively.

The Importance of Identifying Drug Targets and Biomarkers

Identifying drug targets and biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases is crucial for the development of new treatments. While there are currently numerous drug treatments available for these conditions, many of these treatments are limited in their effectiveness and have potential adverse effects. By identifying potential drug targets and biomarkers, researchers can develop new treatments that are more effective and less invasive.

The Potential of NSUN2 (MISU) as a Drug Target

NSUN2 (MISU) is a protein that is expressed in various tissues of the body, including the brain. The protein is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change and adapt over time. Researchers have identified that NSUN2 (MISU) is involved in the regulation of dopamine release, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood, motivation, and pleasure.

Studies have shown that changes in dopamine release can contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. For example, studies have shown that increased dopamine release is associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease, and that decreased dopamine release is associated with the progression of Parkinson's disease.

The Potential of NSUN2 (MISU) as a Biomarker

In addition to its potential as a drug target, NSUN2 (MISU) may also be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases. The protein is expressed in various tissues of the body, including the brain, and is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity. This suggests that changes in NSUN2 (MISU) levels may be indicative of neurodegenerative disease.

Research has shown that the levels of NSUN2 (MISU) are decreased in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, and that increasing the levels of NSUN2 (MISU) may be an effective diagnostic tool

Protein Name: NOP2/Sun RNA Methyltransferase 2

Functions: RNA cytosine C(5)-methyltransferase that methylates cytosine to 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in various RNAs, such as tRNAs, mRNAs and some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) (PubMed:17071714, PubMed:22995836, PubMed:31358969, PubMed:31199786). Involved in various processes, such as epidermal stem cell differentiation, testis differentiation and maternal to zygotic transition during early development: acts by increasing protein synthesis; cytosine C(5)-methylation promoting tRNA stability and preventing mRNA decay (PubMed:31199786). Methylates cytosine to 5-methylcytosine (m5C) at positions 34 and 48 of intron-containing tRNA(Leu)(CAA) precursors, and at positions 48, 49 and 50 of tRNA(Gly)(GCC) precursors (PubMed:17071714, PubMed:22995836, PubMed:31199786). tRNA methylation is required generation of RNA fragments derived from tRNAs (tRFs) (PubMed:31199786). Also mediates C(5)-methylation of mitochondrial tRNAs (PubMed:31276587). Catalyzes cytosine C(5)-methylation of mRNAs, leading to stabilize them and prevent mRNA decay: mRNA stabilization involves YBX1 that specifically recognizes and binds m5C-modified transcripts (PubMed:22395603, PubMed:31358969, PubMed:34556860). Cytosine C(5)-methylation of mRNAs also regulates mRNA export: methylated transcripts are specifically recognized by THOC4/ALYREF, which mediates mRNA nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling (PubMed:28418038). Also mediates cytosine C(5)-methylation of non-coding RNAs, such as vault RNAs (vtRNAs), promoting their processing into regulatory small RNAs (PubMed:23871666). Cytosine C(5)-methylation of vtRNA VTRNA1.1 promotes its processing into small-vault RNA4 (svRNA4) and regulates epidermal differentiation (PubMed:31186410). May act downstream of Myc to regulate epidermal cell growth and proliferation (By similarity). Required for proper spindle assembly and chromosome segregation, independently of its methyltransferase activity (PubMed:19596847)

The "NSUN2 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 NSUN2 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

More Common Targets