About MESDC / Mesoderm Development Candidate:
The Mesoderm Development Candidate 2, professionally known as the MESD (Mesoderm Development LRP Chaperone), is a protein encoded in the MESDC gene in Homo sapiens. This gene concentrates in the thyroid, placenta, and adrenal more than any other tissue in the human body.
The gene goes by many aliases in the medical field. They include KIAA0081, BOCA, OI20, MESD, and Renal Carcinoma Antigen NY-REN-61. It also has related pathways are the Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch. Moreover, this gene is associated with various diseases in the human body, including Epilepsy, Nocturnal Frontal Lobe, and Type Xx.
MESDC Structure
The MESD gene occurs in many species, including Primates and Chordata. The gene has 234 amino acids, a molecular mass of 2607 Da, and a quaternary structure.
Mesoderm Development Candidate Functions
Mesoderm Development Protein Candidate has various functions on protein coding.
Firstly, MESD assists the beta-propeller/EGF modules in folding within the family of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LPLTs).
Secondly, it acts as a modulator of the Wnt pathway by guiding the receptors of this canonical pathway, the LRP5, and LRP6, to the plasma membrane.
Thirdly, this gene is vital when specifying embryonic polarity and mesoderm induction.
Last but not least, MESD holds a fundamental role in neuromuscular junction (MNJ) formation through promoting cell-surface expression of the LRP4. Sometimes, it May regulate the phagocytosis of apoptotic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells.
MESDC Interaction
MESDC2 is a monomer that interacts with LRP5 to form aggregates and chaperones LRP6 to the plasma membrane. Moreover, it interacts with LPR6 to prevent it from forming aggregates and chaperones for its plasma membrane.
Finally, MESDC2 interacts with LRP4 to promote glycosylation of LRP4 cells-surface expansion.