PiggyBac transposable element-derived protein 5 (PGBD5)

PiggyBac transposable element-derived protein 5 (PGBD5) is an enzymatically active DNA transposase in humans, evolutionarily derived from the piggyBac family of transposable elements.[1][3] It catalyzes precise 'cut-and-paste' DNA transposition, integrating at specific TTAA genomic sites via a mechanism dependent on its transposase domain and specific terminal repeat sequences.[1][3] PGBD5 is the most evolutionarily conserved transposase-derived gene in vertebrates, with high expression in embryonic and neural tissues, suggesting a potential physiological role in brain development.[1] In cancer biology, PGBD5 acts as an active genomic mutator: its expression in certain pediatric cancers, such as rhabdoid tumors and glioma, is linked to recurrent structural rearrangements that inactivate tumor suppressor genes, driving oncogenesis.[3] Although PGBD5 has substrate specificity and does not mobilize insect or bat piggyBac elements efficiently, it is capable of mobilizing piggyBac-like elements in the vertebrate genome, likely involving recognition of palindromic internal repeats.[2] Overexpression of PGBD5 can be cytotoxic, possibly due to excessive DNA cleavage or recombination events.[2] Despite its emerging relevance in human disease, no small molecules or clinically approved drugs are currently known to target PGBD5, and its mechanism of action as a therapeutic target remains under investigation.

Other names

DKFZp761A0620FLJ11413PiggyBac domain-related protein 5PiggyBac transposase 5piggyBac transposable element-derived protein 5piggyBac domain related protein 5piggyBac transposase 5PGBD5