Human ChromograninA Partial (19-260) Recombinant Protein

Description of Human ChromograninA Partial (19-260) Recombinant Protein

Human Chromogranin A: Structure, Activity, and Drug Target

Human chromogranin A (CgA) is a protein that is primarily found in the secretory granules of neuroendocrine cells. These cells are responsible for producing and releasing hormones and neurotransmitters, making CgA an important player in various physiological processes. In this article, we will explore the structure, activity, and potential as a drug target of human chromogranin A.

Structure of Human Chromogranin A

Human chromogranin A is a 439 amino acid protein that is encoded by the CHGA gene located on chromosome 14. It is a member of the granin family of proteins, which are characterized by their acidic and soluble nature. CgA is synthesized as a precursor protein, prochromogranin A, which undergoes post-translational processing to yield mature CgA.

The structure of CgA is highly conserved among different species, with humans sharing 94% sequence identity with mouse CgA. It is composed of several distinct domains, including a signal peptide, a highly acidic region, a central region containing multiple repeats of the amino acid sequence “Lys-Arg”, and a C-terminal region rich in basic amino acids. The central region is responsible for the formation of amyloid fibrils, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases.

Activity of Human Chromogranin A

Human chromogranin A has multiple functions in the body, including the regulation of hormone and neurotransmitter release, modulation of immune response, and involvement in angiogenesis. One of its main roles is as a prohormone, as it is processed into several biologically active peptides, such as vasostatin, pancreastatin, and catestatin. These peptides have been shown to have various physiological effects, including vasoconstriction, regulation of insulin secretion, and inhibition of inflammatory responses.

CgA also plays a crucial role in the formation and maturation of secretory granules in neuroendocrine cells. It acts as a chaperone protein, aiding in the proper folding and packaging of hormones and neurotransmitters into these granules. Additionally, CgA has been found to have antimicrobial properties, with studies showing its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Human Chromogranin A as a Drug Target

Due to its involvement in various physiological processes, human chromogranin A has been identified as a potential drug target for the treatment of various diseases. One of the most promising areas of research is its role in cancer. CgA has been found to be overexpressed in certain types of cancer, such as neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. Inhibition of CgA has been shown to reduce tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical studies, making it a potential target for cancer therapy.

Another potential application of CgA as a drug target is in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Catestatin, a peptide derived from CgA, has been shown to have cardioprotective effects, including the reduction of blood pressure and inhibition of cardiac hypertrophy. This makes CgA an attractive target for the development of new treatments for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.

Conclusion

In summary, human chromogranin A is a multifunctional protein with a complex structure and diverse activities. It plays important roles in hormone and neurotransmitter regulation, immune response, and angiogenesis. Its potential as a drug target for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases makes it an exciting area of research. Further studies on the structure and function of CgA may lead to the development of new and effective treatments for these and other diseases.