GADD45B

GADD45B, also known as Growth Arrest and DNA Damage-Inducible Beta, is a gene and the protein it encodes. It is a member of the GADD45 family, which plays a crucial role in cellular responses to stress, particularly DNA damage and environmental insults. The GADD45B protein is induced by various stress stimuli, including ultraviolet radiation, genotoxic agents, and inflammatory cytokines.

Upon induction, GADD45B participates in several cellular processes. It is involved in DNA repair mechanisms, helping to mend damaged DNA and maintain genomic stability. Additionally, GADD45B can contribute to cell cycle arrest, preventing cells with compromised DNA from replicating. This arrest can occur at different phases of the cell cycle, providing time for repair or triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis) if the damage is too severe.

The expression of GADD45B has also been linked to inflammation and immune responses. It can be upregulated in response to pro-inflammatory signals and may modulate signaling pathways involved in inflammatory processes. Dysregulation of GADD45B has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, where its role can be complex, sometimes acting as a tumor suppressor by promoting apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, and other times potentially promoting tumor growth or resistance to therapy. Research continues to explore its multifaceted functions in normal physiology and disease pathogenesis.