S100B protein: general characteristics and pathophysiological implications in the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Background

Calcium-binding proteins are heterogeneous proteins that act binding this ion in specific domains, performing numerous functions.

Objective

In the present review, we aim to gather principal information about S100B protein in the Central Nervous System (CNS), highlighting its particularities, mapping, functionalities, and consequences on CNS dysfunction.

Methods

The research was carried out by searching Pubmed, Medline, Science Direct, Lilacs, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases using the following descriptors: S100 protein; Central Nervous System; Nervous Lesions, as well as their corresponding terms in Portuguese and Spanish. The terms were first searched separately, then together.

Results

Due to its ability to bind with calcium, S100B is involved in the regulation of several intra- and extracellular physiological processes. As well as being multifunctional, this protein can be considered both a “marker” and “signaling” since it is capable of triggering functions of detection of and protection in situations of injury to the CNS.

Conclusions

In-depth studies are necessary to discover the innumerable actions of this protein which are still unknown. It is expected that these can bring varied benefits by elucidating its therapeutic potential in preclinical and clinical situations.

Keywords:

• Protein S100
• central nervous system
• nerve damage
• cell markers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported in part by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/Brasil) – Financial Code 001.