Cushing syndrome is an
adrenal gland disorder that triggers hypertrophy of the glands and an
increase in cortisol, an important hormone that suppresses inflammation
and protects against stress. Genetic mutations of Armc5 are
associated with the occurrence of this rare type of Cushing syndrome, suggests previous studies.
Genetic mutations of the Armc5 gene disrupt fetal development and
compromise the immune response. Such are the findings of a study
conducted by a team of Quebec researchers including Professor Alain
Lamarre of Centre INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier.
‘Genetic mutations of the Armc5 protein disrupt fetal development and compromise the immune response. A better understanding of the mechanisms of action of ARMC5 could lead to new treatments for endocrine disorders.’
The results of this
study, which was recently published in
Nature Communications,
shed light on the vital role this protein plays in fetal development
and in T-cell and adrenal gland biology. A better understanding of the
mechanisms of action of ARMC5 could lead to new treatments for endocrine
disorders.
The study showed that this protein's RNA is highly expressed in the
thymus and adrenal glands. Development of a new Armc5-deficient
experimental model highlighted the essential role this protein plays in
the early activation phase of T-cells, which contribute to the immune
response. "The new experimental model will provide better insight into
this protein's role in the immune response," said Professor Lamarre.
Further studies will be needed to learn more about the modes of
action of ARMC5, whose function depends on the interaction with other
proteins.
Source: Eurekalert
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