SRC

What is SRC protein?

SRC (SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase) gene is a protein coding gene which situated on the long arm of chromosome 20 at locus 20q11. This gene is highly similar to the v-src gene of Rous sarcoma virus. This proto-oncogene may play a role in the regulation of embryonic development and cell growth. The protein encoded by this gene is a tyrosine-protein kinase whose activity can be inhibited by phosphorylation by c-SRC kinase. The SRC protein is consisted of 536 amino acids and its molecular mass is approximately 59.8 kDa.

What is the function of SRC protein?

SRC is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the SRC family of kinases (SFKs). SRC protein plays a variety of biological roles in the cell. SRC promotes cell proliferation and prolongs cell survival by phosphorylating and activating a variety of downstream effector molecules, such as transcription factors and cell cycle regulatory proteins. SRC kinase plays a key role in regulating cytoskeletal remodeling and the formation of cell adhesion sites, which affects the cell's ability to migrate and adhere to the external environment. SRC is involved in the process of cell differentiation by influencing the activity of specific transcription factors and the interaction of extracellular matrix, especially in the differentiation of bone marrow cells and epithelial cells.

Fig1. Modes of Src mechanoactivation and mechanosignalling. (Lenka Koudelková, 2021)

SRC Related Signaling Pathway

SRC kinases are involved in several signaling pathways, including integrin signaling pathways, growth factor signaling pathways, and hormone receptor signaling pathways. By activating a variety of substrates downstream, SRC influences cellular behavior and physiological responses. SRC protein can activate RAS-RAF-MAPK signaling pathway and promote cell proliferation and survival. Specifically, SRC proteins can bind and activate RAS or RAF kinases, which further activate the MAPK signaling pathway and promote cell proliferation and survival. SRC protein can also activate the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, promoting cell proliferation and survival. SRC protein can also activate the PLC-γ signaling pathway and promote cell proliferation and differentiation. The SRC protein can also activate the FAK signalling pathway, promoting cell migration and invasion.

SRC Related Diseases

Src proteins have been extensively studied for their role in a variety of cancers, including breast, colon, pancreatic, lung, ovarian, and central nervous system cancers. Src kinase plays a role in cardiac development and function, and its abnormal expression or activity is associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Src kinase is involved in regulating the activity of immune cells, including macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses, and is associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Src proteins play a role in the cell's immune response to pathogen infections, including antiviral and antibacterial immune responses. Other diseases include neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and other diseases related.

Bioapplications of SRC

Src proteins play a key role in the development, growth, proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis of a variety of cancers. Therefore, Src protein is an important target for cancer therapy. Research and development of inhibitors that target Src, such as small molecule drugs and antibody drugs, have potential applications for the treatment of cancer. Src kinase is a drug target, and the study of its structure and mechanism is helpful to develop new therapeutic strategies. By understanding the regulatory mechanism of Src kinase activity, more effective drugs can be designed to interfere with its function and thus treat related diseases.