Potential role of peptidylarginine deiminase enzymes and protein citrullination in cancer pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a family of posttranslational modification enzymes that catalyze the conversion of positively charged protein-bound arginine and methylarginine residues to the uncharged, nonstandard amino acid citrulline. This enzymatic activity is referred to as citrullination or, alternatively, deimination. Citrullination can significantly affect biochemical pathways by altering the structure and function of target proteins. Five mammalian PAD family members (PADs 1-4 and 6) have been described and show tissue-specific distribution. Recent reviews on PADs have focused on their role in autoimmune diseases. Here, we will discuss the potential role of PADs in tumor progression and tumor-associated inflammation. In the context of cancer, increasing clinical evidenc

SUBMITTER: Mohanan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3457611 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature