Olfactomedin domain-containing proteins: possible mechanisms of action and functions in normal development and pathology.

ABSTRACT: A family of olfactomedin domain-containing proteins consists of at least 13 members in mammals. Although the first protein belonging to this family, olfactomedin, was isolated and partially characterized from frog olfactory neuroepithelim almost 20 years ago, the functions of many family members remain elusive. Most of the olfactomedin domain-containing proteins, similar to frog olfactomedin, are secreted glycoproteins that demonstrate specific expression patterns. Other family members are membrane-bound proteins that may serve as receptors. More than half of the olfactomedin domain-containing genes are expressed in neural tissues. Data obtained over the last several years demonstrate that olfactomedin domain-containing proteins play important roles in neurogenesis, neural crest formation,

SUBMITTER: Tomarev SI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2936706 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature