MEST (gene)

The MEST gene encoded in the human MEST protein (English mesoderm -specific transcript homologous protein). An alternative term is' paternally overexpressed gene 1 ( PEG1 ) ".

MEST is the first and genomic marked ( imprinted ) recognized gene on chromosome 7 in humans.

MEST encodes a member of the alpha / beta hydrolase family and has an isoform-specific imprinting. The loss of the embossing has been associated with various types of cancer, and is presumably due to a change in promoter. The encoded protein may play a role in the development of the organism. Three transcript variants encoding two different isoforms have been identified. A pseudogene has been found on chromosome 6 of man.

The MEST gene contains the DNA sequence of the microRNA -335 ( 5p ), a small RNA, which has been recognized as an important regulator in the development of malignant tumors.