Cep170b is a microtubule (MT) minus-end-binding protein. It plays a crucial role in controlling the spatial distribution of MT minus ends, contributing to the establishment of a polarized MT network and cell polarity. It is involved in directional vesicle trafficking and cyst formation in 3D culture. Cep170b depends on the scaffold protein liprin-α1 for its cortical targeting and requires liprin-α1-bound PP2A phosphatase for its MT localization [1].

In the study of epilepsy and glioma, Cep170b was identified as one of the genes related to the conserved modules in these two diseases. It was among the genes screened out in the lasso regression for the glioma prognosis model, which may help in understanding the relationship between epilepsy and glioma and potentially contribute to the development of diagnostic and prognostic markers [2]. In temporal lobe epilepsy research, Cep170b was found to interact with miR-484 in a miRNA-mRNA network. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that it was involved in cellular-related biological functions and the neurotransmitter synapse pathway [3].

In conclusion, Cep170b is essential for regulating the microtubule network and cell polarity. Its role in diseases such as epilepsy and glioma, as revealed through genetic-model-based research, provides new insights into understanding these disease mechanisms. The identification of Cep170b in relevant genetic signatures may contribute to the development of diagnostic and prognostic tools for these diseases.

References:

1. Guan, Cuirong, Hua, Shasha, Jiang, Kai. 2023. The CEP170B-KIF2A complex destabilizes microtubule minus ends to generate polarized microtubule network. In The EMBO journal, 42, e112953. doi:10.15252/embj.2022112953. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37014312/

2. Zhao, Kai, Bai, Xuexue, Wang, Xiao, Li, Wei, Wang, Shiyong. 2023. Insight on the hub gene associated signatures and potential therapeutic agents in epilepsy and glioma. In Brain research bulletin, 199, 110666. doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110666. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37192718/

3. Li, Xing, Han, Yunli, Li, Dejun, Chen, Xiaolan, Qin, Yuanhan. 2021. Identification and Validation of a Dysregulated miRNA-Associated mRNA Network in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. In BioMed research international, 2021, 4118216. doi:10.1155/2021/4118216. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34722763/