Background |
The NDRG (N-Myc downstream-regulated gene) family consisting of NDRG1, NDRG2, NDRG3, and NDRG4 are structurally related proteins with roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, stress responses, and cell migration/metastasis. NDRG1 was originally identified as a protein that was upregulated in N-Myc knockout mice. Proteins in the NDRG family, particularly NDRG1 and NDRG2, have been reported to be down-regulated in various cancer tissues and have been suggested to function as a tumor suppressors. Members of the NDRG family each have distinct expression patterns; NDRG3 is most highly expressed in the testis, prostate, ovary, and brain. NDRG3 has also been shown to be up-regulated by androgen in prostate cell lines and can promote cell growth in those cells. |