<n0:ComplexDefinition xmlns:n0="http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/xml/owl/EVS/ComplexProperties.xsd#"><n0:def-definition>Prothymosin alpha (111 aa, ~12 kDa) is encoded by the human PTMA gene. This protein may play a role in the regulation of apoptosis.</n0:def-definition><n0:def-source>NCI</n0:def-source></n0:ComplexDefinition>
nci:P98
Prothymosin alpha is an abundant mammalian acidic nuclear protein whose expression is related to cell proliferation. An association between ProT alpha levels with increase in risk of death from breast cancer has been noticed.Prothymosin alpha can be cleaved to release thymosin alpha-1. (UniProt)Encoded by human PTMA Gene, 110-aa 12-kDa (precursor) highly acidic (54/111 residues) conserved Prothymosin Alpha may be linked covalently to a small RNA; may be involved in ultraviolet irradiation-induced apoptosis; contains N-terminal thymosin-alpha-1 (28-aa) sequence; and may mediate immune function and confer resistance to opportunistic infections. While PHAP promotes caspase-9 activation after apoptosome formation, PTMA inhibits apoptosome formation and caspase-9 activation; caspase-3 activator PETCM relieves PTMA inhibition of apoptosome formation.