Beta Arrestin 1 is a member of a family of proteins that are widely expressed but especially abundant in the central nervous system. Serving as an adaptor or scaffold molecule, beta Arrestin 1 is essential for mitogenic signaling. It mediates agonist dependent desensitization and internalization of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs, e.g., beta 2 adrenergic receptor). After binding to their ligand and interacting with heterotrimeric G proteins, GPCRs are phosphorylated by G protein receptor k

This gene is a member of the Abd-B homeobox family and encodes a protein with a homeobox DNA-binding domain. It is included in a cluster of homeobox B genes located on chromosome 17. The encoded nuclear protein functions as a sequence-specific transcription factor that is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Increased expression of this gene is associated with some cases of leukemia, prostate cancer and lung cancer. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

This gene encodes a member of the BCL-2 family of proteins. This family member belongs to the BH3-only pro-apoptotic subclass. The protein cooperates with direct activator proteins to induce mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and apoptosis. It can bind to anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation. Because of its pro-apoptotic role, this gene is a potential drug target for cancer therapy and for tissue injury. Alternative splicin

The protein encoded by this gene is similar to insulin in function and structure and is a member of a family of proteins involved in mediating growth and development. The encoded protein is processed from a precursor, bound by a specific receptor, and secreted. Defects in this gene are a cause of insulin-like growth factor I deficiency. Several transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Mar 2009]