SMC4

The primary 5 domain structure of SMC proteins is highly conserved among species. The basic structure of SMC proteins are characterized by a non-helical hinge group, separated by two anti-parallel α-helical coiled-coil domains, along with two Amino-terminal globular domains containing ATP hydrolytic sites, or nucleotide-binding motifs located at the C-terminus and N-terminus called the Walker A and Walker B motifs. In eukaryotes, dimerization is mediated by the self-folding of the non-helical hinge group on the SMC protein. Dimerization occurs at the non-helical hinge group of SMC-4, which then associates with the non-helical hinge group of SMC-2, creating a V-shaped heterodimeric structure. the holocomplex of condensin contains the SMC-4 and SMC-2 heterodimer subunits, along with 3 other non-SMC subunits, CAP-D2, CAP-G, and CAP-H. == Clinical significance ==

The SMC-4 protein is associated with abnormal cell and tumor growth, and involved with migration and invasion. In general, the presence of over-expressed SMC-4 proteins is thought to be correlated with carcinogenesis. It is found that an over-expression or down-regulation of the SMC-4 protein alters TGFβ/Smad signaling pathways in glioma cells. SMC-4-transduced glioma cells showed activation of the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway which was not present in SMC-4 silenced glioma cells. This pathway was shown to be correlated with an "aggressive" behavioral phenotype in glioma cells. An over-expression of SMC-4 can induce a higher rate of proliferation, and ultimately increased invasive capability. A down-regulation of SMC-4 reduced this quality. The SMC-4 protein is involved with normal lung development however, adenocarcinoma lung tissue shows an over-expression of SMC-4. additionally, SMC-4 may act as independent prognostic factor for carcinogenesis and lung adenocarcinoma. Studies suggest that over-expression of the SMC-4 protein in human liver tissue may be correlated with progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. == References ==