About ANG / Angiogenin:
Angiogenin (Ang) is an amino acid protein that can also be known as ribonuclease 5. In the human body it is coded by the ANG gene and is a small 123 amino acid.
ANG functions
Angiogenin has an important process in the body and uses a process known as angiogenesis to form new blood vessels. ANG hydrolyses RNA which results in protein synthesis. It also interacts with DNA and increases the expression of rRNA.
Through the process of angiogenesis, angiogenin is linked to cancer and this is something that many scientists look to explore further. By activating the gene that suppresses apoptosis angiogenin is also linked with brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s as well as a host of other neurological issues in the human body.
Angiogenin Interactions
Angiogenin is an important protein in the body and it is highly linked to the growth of tumour growth. It intersects with smooth muscle cells as well as endothelial muscle cells resulting in cell migration, proliferation, and invasion of tubular structures - namely blood vessels.
ANG Mechanism
Ang binds to actin and forms complexes that activate proteolytic cascades. This allows for the production of plasmin and proteases that degrade the fibronectin layers of the basement membrane. The breaking down of this membrane allows endothelial cells to enter from the outside and migrate into the tissue. Ang interactions activate signal transduction pathways and these produce signal-related kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B/Akt. Angiogenesis is associated with the activation of these particular proteins and the invasion of the basement membrane.