Introduction to OST4 (G100128731)

Target Name: OST4

NCBI ID: G100128731

OST4

Other Name(s): OST4_HUMAN | Dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccharide--protein glycosyltransferase subunit 4 | Oligosaccharyltransferase complex subunit 4, non-catalytic | dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccharide--protein glycosyltransferase subunit 4 | oligosaccharyltransferase 4 homolog | oligosaccharyltransferase complex subunit 4, non-catalytic

Introduction to OST4
OST4, a Promising Drug Target and Biomarker

In the field of medical research, the identification of drug targets and biomarkers plays a crucial role in the development of new therapeutics and diagnostics. Here, we delve into the world of OST4, an emerging candidate both as a drug target and biomarker. This article will shed light on the significance and potential applications of OST4, exploring its role in disease progression, diagnosis, and treatment.

What is OST4?

OST4, short for Oligosaccharyltransferase Subunit 4, is a protein that is primarily involved in the N-linked glycosylation pathway within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). N-linked glycosylation is a post-translational modification process where a carbohydrate chain is attached to a specific amino acid residue of a target protein. This modification is crucial for proper protein folding, stability, and function. OST4, as a subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase complex, aids in this glycosylation process.

OST4 as a Drug Target:

The unique enzymatic function and biological significance of OST4 make it an attractive target for drug development. Interruptions in the N-linked glycosylation pathway have been associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. By selectively inhibiting OST4 activity, it might be possible to modulate the glycosylation process and therapeutically target specific diseases. Several studies have demonstrated the potential of OST4 inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach.

In cancer research, aberrant glycosylation patterns have been observed in tumor cells, leading to changes in cell signaling, cell adhesion, and immune evasion. As OST4 is a key player in the glycosylation pathway, targeting this protein could potentially disrupt these abnormal glycosylation events, leading to the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. Although further research is required, OST4 inhibition has demonstrated promise in preclinical studies using cancer cell lines and animal models, paving the way for potential future anticancer therapies.

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, are characterized by protein misfolding and aggregation. Interestingly, N-linked glycosylation has been implicated in modulating these protein folding events. OST4 inhibition offers a potential avenue for manipulating the glycosylation process to promote proper protein folding and prevent the formation of toxic aggregates. While still in its early stages, studies exploring the role of OST4 in neurodegenerative diseases have shown promising results, providing a ray of hope for potential disease-modifying interventions.

OST4 as a Biomarker:

Apart from its potential as a drug target, OST4 also holds promise as a biomarker for various diseases. Biomarkers are measurable substances that indicate the presence or progression of a disease, providing valuable information for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring. OST4 expression levels have been found to be altered in several pathological conditions, making it a potential diagnostic and prognostic tool.

In cancer, for instance, elevated OST4 expression has been observed in various tumor types. This increased expression may reflect the dysregulated glycosylation processes associated with tumorigenesis. Consequently, OST4 expression levels could potentially serve as a biomarker for detecting cancer at an early stage and monitoring treatment response. Additionally, by analyzing OST4 levels in cancer patient samples, clinicians might be able to predict patient outcomes and tailor personalized treatment strategies.

Similar to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases exhibit specific biomarkers indicative of disease progression. OST4 has recently emerged as a potential biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders. Intriguingly, alterations in OST4 expression have been observed in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This finding opens up possibilities for the development of OST4-based diagnostic tests that could aid in early disease detection and monitoring disease progression.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, OST4 represents a promising dual role as both a drug target and biomarker. By targeting OST4, it may be possible to modulate aberrant glycosylation events and develop novel therapies for various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, OST4's altered expression levels in disease states make it a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. Despite the need for further research, OST4 shows great potential for revolutionizing the treatment and diagnosis of several challenging medical conditions.

Protein Name: Oligosaccharyltransferase Complex Subunit 4, Non-catalytic

Functions: Subunit of the oligosaccharyl transferase (OST) complex that catalyzes the initial transfer of a defined glycan (Glc(3)Man(9)GlcNAc(2) in eukaryotes) from the lipid carrier dolichol-pyrophosphate to an asparagine residue within an Asn-X-Ser/Thr consensus motif in nascent polypeptide chains, the first step in protein N-glycosylation (PubMed:31831667). N-glycosylation occurs cotranslationally and the complex associates with the Sec61 complex at the channel-forming translocon complex that mediates protein translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). All subunits are required for a maximal enzyme activity. Specifically involved in maintaining stability of STT3A-containing OST complexes

The "OST4 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 OST4 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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