Ppp3Ca — Protein Phosphatase 3 Catalytic Subunit Alpha is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
This page provides comprehensive information about this gene. See the content below for detailed information.
| PPP3CA — Protein Phosphatase 3 Catalytic Subunit Alpha | |
|---|---|
| Symbol | PPP3CA |
| Full Name | Protein Phosphatase 3 Catalytic Subunit Alpha (Calcineurin) |
| Chromosome | 4p15.32 |
| NCBI Gene | 5530 |
| Ensembl | ENSG00000143510 |
| OMIM | 114105 |
| UniProt | Q16586 |
| Diseases | Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Cardiac Hypertrophy, Autism |
| Expression | Brain, Heart, T-lymphocytes, Retina |
Calcineurin is a calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase that plays crucial roles in synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, and immune response regulation. It is one of the few phosphatases known to be activated by calcium/calmodulin.
The PPP3CA gene encodes the catalytic subunit alpha of calcineurin, a heterodimeric calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase. Calcineurin dephosphorylates various substrates including NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells), regulating gene transcription, synaptic plasticity, and cellular signaling. It plays a critical role in learning and memory by regulating NMDA receptor function and synaptic plasticity.
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Cardiac Hypertrophy, Autism — Calcineurin dysfunction is implicated in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. In Alzheimer's disease, calcineurin activity is altered, affecting tau phosphorylation and synaptic function. Calcineurin inhibitors have shown neuroprotective effects in some models.
PPP3CA is widely expressed with highest levels in brain, heart, T-lymphocytes, and retina. In the brain, it is enriched in regions involved in learning and memory, including the hippocampus and cortex.
The study of Ppp3Ca — Protein Phosphatase 3 Catalytic Subunit Alpha has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.