Gene GSK3B
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Overview
GSK3B (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) is a gene that codes for the GSK3β protein, which is a member of the GSK3 family of enzymes. These enzymes play a crucial role in various cellular processes such as cell division, cell differentiation, and cell survival.
GSK3β is a serine/threonine kinase that is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes including glycogen metabolism, protein synthesis, and gene expression. It also plays a role in the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is involved in the development of many organs, including the brain.
GSK3β has been linked to a number of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. The activity of GSK3β is tightly regulated by various signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt pathway, and by phosphorylation of the enzyme at specific residues.
Drugs such as lithium and some atypical antipsychotics have been shown to inhibit GSK3β activity, and they are used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Some studies have also suggested that inhibiting GSK3β could be a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.