Genetic mutations of the Armc5 gene disrupt foetal development and compromise the immune response. Such are the findings of a study conducted by a team of Quebec researchers including Professor Alain Lamarre of Centre INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier. The results of this study, which was recently published in Nature Communications, shed light on the vital role this protein plays in foetal development and in T-cell and adrenal gland biology. A better understanding of the mechanisms of action of ARMC5 could lead to new treatments for endocrine disorders.
The study showed that this protein's RNA is highly expressed in the thymus and adrenal glands. Development of a new Armc5-deficient experimental model highlighted the essential role this protein plays in the early activation phase of T-cells, which contribute to the immune response. "The new experimental model will provide better insight into this protein's role in the immune response," said Professor Lamarre.
According to previous studies, genetic mutations of Armc5 are associated with the occurrence of a rare type of Cushing syndrome, an adrenal gland disorder that triggers hypertrophy of the glands and an increase in cortisol, an important hormone that suppresses inflammation and protects against stress.
Further studies will be needed to learn more about the modes of action of ARMC5, whose function depends on the interaction with other proteins. To be continued...
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About this publication
Published in Nature Communications, the article "Armc5 deletion causes developmental defects and compromises T-cell immune responses" presents the findings of a study conducted by researchers from the CHUM research centre and Centre INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier. The research received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada, Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé, and Fondation J.-Louis Lévesque.
Doi: 10.1038/ncomms13834
Journal
Nature Communications