The protein encoded by this gene is a glutathione-independent prostaglandin D synthase that catalyzes the conversion of prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) to prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). PGD2 functions as a neuromodulator as well as a trophic factor in the central nervous system. PGD2 is also involved in smooth muscle contraction/relaxation and is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation. This gene is preferentially expressed in brain. Studies with transgenic mice over-expressing this gene suggest that this gene may be also involved in the regulation of non-rapid eye movement sleep.[6] Furthermore, PTGDS and its product PGD2 are elevated in the bald-scalp areas of men with male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).[7]
Prostaglandin D2 synthase is used clinically as a diagnostic marker for liquorrhea, that is, to check whether fluid leaking from the nose or ear contains cerebrospinal fluid.[8] This is important in the assessment of head trauma severity. In a medical context, the older term "beta-trace protein" is frequently used to refer to PTGDS.
^Bachmann G, Petereit H, Djenabi U, Michel O (Mar 2002). "Predictive values of beta-trace protein (prostaglandin D synthase) by use of laser-nephelometry assay for the identification of cerebrospinal fluid". Neurosurgery. 50 (3): 571–6, discussion 576–7. doi:10.1227/00006123-200203000-00027. PMID11841726.
Zahn M, Mäder M, Schmidt B, Bollensen E, Felgenhauer K (May 1993). "Purification and N-terminal sequence of beta-trace, a protein abundant in human cerebrospinal fluid". Neuroscience Letters. 154 (1–2): 93–5. doi:10.1016/0304-3940(93)90179-O. PMID7689714. S2CID42018337.
Harrington MG, Aebersold R, Martin BM, Merril CR, Hood L (1993). "Identification of a brain-specific human cerebrospinal fluid glycoprotein, beta-trace protein". Applied and Theoretical Electrophoresis. 3 (5): 229–34. PMID7692978.
Hoffmann A, Conradt HS, Gross G, Nimtz M, Lottspeich F, Wurster U (Aug 1993). "Purification and chemical characterization of beta-trace protein from human cerebrospinal fluid: its identification as prostaglandin D synthase". Journal of Neurochemistry. 61 (2): 451–6. doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.1993.tb02145.x. PMID8336134. S2CID34300607.
Leone MG, Saso L, Del Vecchio A, Mo MY, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY (Aug 1993). "Micropurification of two human cerebrospinal fluid proteins by high performance electrophoresis chromatography". Journal of Neurochemistry. 61 (2): 533–40. doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.1993.tb02156.x. PMID8336140. S2CID29843974.
Blödorn B, Mäder M, Urade Y, Hayaishi O, Felgenhauer K, Brück W (May 1996). "Choroid plexus: the major site of mRNA expression for the beta-trace protein (prostaglandin D synthase) in human brain". Neuroscience Letters. 209 (2): 117–20. doi:10.1016/0304-3940(96)12614-8. PMID8761996. S2CID34159760.
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction