Oncomodulin 2 (OCM2)

OCM2 is similar to the oncomodulin gene, a high-affinity calcium ion-binding protein that belongs to the superfamily of calmodulin proteins, also known as the EF-hand proteins.

Oncomodulin binds to rat RGCs with high affinity in a cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent manner and stimulates more extensive outgrowth than other known trophic agents. The effects of oncomodulin involve downstream signaling via Ca(2+)/calmodulin kinase and gene transcription. In vivo, oncomodulin released from microspheres promotes regeneration in the mature rat optic nerve. Oncomodulin also stimulates outgrowth from peripheral sensory neurons. Thus, oncomodulin is a new growth factor for neurons of the mature central and peripheral nervous systems.