About this Research Topic
Ly-6 supergene family members encode either the membrane tethered or secreted cysteine-rich, 12-14 kda set of functionally diverse proteins. Members of this gene family are evolutionary conserved across worms, flies, mice, and humans that share structural resemblance and a single “Ly-6/uPAR (LU) domain”. While Ly-6/uPAR family members commonly show broad tissue expression, some members exhibit tightly regulated expression during development and physiological responses. LU proteins are implicated in a myriad of biological processes. Some members regulate signaling through the antigen receptor in T lymphocytes, while others functionally interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and ion channels in neurons.
Cellular adherence as a signaling rheostat during organisms development, sleep behavior and other functional responses is emerging to be central to the functional role of some Ly-6/uPAR gene family members. However in vivo, biological roles of many members of this family remain unknown. Identification of ligands for Ly-6/uPAR proteins, the role of these receptor-ligand interactions in cellular responses, and contribution of cholesterol-rich “lipid raft” membrane structures in signaling through membrane tethered Ly-6/uPAR proteins remains a topic of increasing interest. Modeled structural similarities between Ly6/uPAR proteins to three finger snake venom proteins and functional role of LU domain remains intriguing.
Through a collection of Review or Mini-Reviews articles, this Research Topic aims to create a comprehensive and up-to-date resource for researchers investigating biology of Ly-6/uPAR protein in all organisms. Additionally, we welcome Original Research articles, Brief Research Reports or Perspectives that bring new insights into the expression, biochemistry, biological roles of LU domain proteins in health and disease. Descriptions for these article types can be found at this link
Cellular adherence as a signaling rheostat during organisms development, sleep behavior and other functional responses is emerging to be central to the functional role of some Ly-6/uPAR gene family members. However in vivo, biological roles of many members of this family remain unknown. Identification of ligands for Ly-6/uPAR proteins, the role of these receptor-ligand interactions in cellular responses, and contribution of cholesterol-rich “lipid raft” membrane structures in signaling through membrane tethered Ly-6/uPAR proteins remains a topic of increasing interest. Modeled structural similarities between Ly6/uPAR proteins to three finger snake venom proteins and functional role of LU domain remains intriguing.
Through a collection of Review or Mini-Reviews articles, this Research Topic aims to create a comprehensive and up-to-date resource for researchers investigating biology of Ly-6/uPAR protein in all organisms. Additionally, we welcome Original Research articles, Brief Research Reports or Perspectives that bring new insights into the expression, biochemistry, biological roles of LU domain proteins in health and disease. Descriptions for these article types can be found at this link
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