ANG

The ANG gene provides instructions for making a protein called angiogenin. This protein promotes the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels through a process called angiogenesis. In this process, angiogenin helps stimulate the growth and division of endothelial cells, which line the inside surface of blood vessels, to form new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is important for restoring blood flow after an injury.

Angiogenin is found in a variety of cells throughout the body and circulates in the bloodstream. When angiogenin binds to receptors on the surface of endothelial cells, it triggers a series of reactions that brings angiogenin inside the cell. Once inside endothelial cells, angiogenin moves to the nucleus where it stimulates the production of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), a chemical cousin of DNA. Ribosomal RNA is required for assembling protein building blocks (amino acids) into functioning proteins. Angiogenin stimulates the production of additional ribosomal RNA when there is an increased demand for proteins, such as for the growth and division of endothelial cells. Angiogenin may also be involved in other steps of angiogenesis, such as helping to break down the tissue that surrounds existing blood vessels to allow room for the growth of new blood vessels.

Research findings suggest that angiogenin also has antimicrobial properties, which means it can help fight infections caused by bacteria and fungi.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - increased risk from variations of the ANG gene

Researchers have identified several ANG mutations that may increase the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, particularly in people of Irish or Scottish descent. These mutations replace one of the amino acids used to make angiogenin with an incorrect amino acid. The effect of ANG mutations is not fully understood. Researchers suggest that most mutations reduce the activity of angiogenin. One particular mutation may impair the transport of angiogenin from the surface of endothelial cells to the nucleus. It is unknown how the altered angiogenin protein might increase the susceptibility to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.