Laforin, a Dual Specificity Phosphatase Involved in Lafora Disease, Is Present Mainly as Monomeric Form with Full Phosphatase Activity
2011

Monomeric Laforin Is an Active Phosphatase

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Dukhande Vikas V., Rogers Devin M., Romá-Mateo Carlos, Donderis Jordi, Marina Alberto, Taylor Adam O., Sanz Pascual, Gentry Matthew S.

Primary Institution: University of Kentucky

Hypothesis

Does laforin dimerization affect its phosphatase activity and interaction with malin?

Conclusion

Monomeric laforin is the dominant form and possesses full phosphatase activity, similar to the dimeric form.

Supporting Evidence

  • Monomeric laforin was shown to have equal phosphatase activity compared to its dimeric form.
  • Both forms of laforin bind glucans equally well.
  • Oxidative conditions influence laforin's oligomerization and activity.

Takeaway

Laforin, a protein involved in a brain disease, mostly exists as a single unit that works well, just like when it's in pairs.

Methodology

The study involved purifying laforin and testing its phosphatase activity using various assays.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in vitro conditions, which may not fully represent in vivo behavior.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024040

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