Ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 1 (OAZ1)

Ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 1 (OAZ1) is a regulatory protein that controls intracellular levels of polyamines, which are essential for cell growth and proliferation. OAZ1 acts by binding to ornithine decarboxylase (ODC)—the key enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis—and targeting it for ubiquitin-independent degradation via the proteasome, thereby reducing polyamine synthesis. Its own production is regulated by a programmed, polyamine-sensitive ribosomal frameshifting mechanism. OAZ1 also inhibits polyamine uptake into cells and can regulate other proteins involved in differentiation, signal transduction, and cell cycle control. These actions contribute to its tumor suppressor role in several cancers, and altered expression or regulation of OAZ1 can influence various disease states, including cancer, autoimmune and neuropsychiatric conditions[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

OAZAZ1AZIODC-Azantizyme 1OAZ1_HUMAN

Promotes ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) Inhibits ODC activity by binding and blocking its dimerization Inhibits cellular polyamine uptake[1][2][4]