Pragmin Activators

Pragmin, also known as "Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4" (EML4), is a protein that is encoded by the EML4 gene in humans. It is a member of the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like family and is implicated in the regulation of microtubule dynamics. Pragmin is involved in various cellular processes, including cell division, cell signaling, and the maintenance of cell shape and intracellular transport.The protein contains an N-terminal basic region that is responsible for microtubule binding and a C-terminal WD repeat domain, a structural motif that is involved in protein-protein interactions. Pragmin's ability to associate with microtubules suggests it plays a role in the stabilization of these cytoskeletal elements and the proper formation of the mitotic spindle during cell division.

Pragmin has been studied extensively for its role in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The EML4 gene can form a fusion with the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, resulting in the EML4-ALK fusion protein. This fusion protein is an oncogenic driver in a subset of NSCLC cases, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and survival. Moreover, Pragmin is thought to be involved in signal transduction pathways, mediating cellular responses to external stimuli. Its interaction with microtubules suggests a potential role in intracellular signaling and trafficking.