| The LEDGF (lens epithelium-derived growth factor) gene encodes splice variants P75 and P52.LEDGF variants have transcriptional coactivator functions that may regulate gene transcription and mRNA splicing of a variety of proteins that are essential for cell growth and survival. LEDGF has also been identified as a factor that can, in serum free media, stimulate the growth and survival of lens epithelial cells and other cell types such as retinal photoreceptor cells, COS7 cells, skin fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. In addition to its function as a transcriptional coactivator, LEDGF has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and in the activity of HIV1 integrase. LEDGF binds chromatin throughout the cell cycle, and may act as a chromatin docking factor for HIV integrase and other lentiviral pre-integration complexes. It protects HIV integrase from degradation, and influences the pattern of viral integration into the cell genome. |
