In chemistry, compounds are typically named according to their structure, components, and organic groups. However, for more complex compounds such as proteins, their structures can be too complicated and large to fit into the classic chemical naming rules. Therefore, scientists are permitted to name proteins they discover. As a result, some of the best-named biochemical compounds have been inspired by pop culture or coincidentally just fitted like our favourite games and characters! Here are some of the best-named biochemical compounds!
1. Sonic Hedgehog Protein (SHH)
Sonic the Hedgehog protein (SHH)- the protein that got its name from the iconic video game character Sonic the Hedgehog! This incredible molecule is like a superhero, playing a vital role in the development of numerous tissues in the body.
During embryonic development, the SHH protein helps to establish the basic body plan of the organism, directing cells to form different types of tissues and organs in the correct locations. It’s like a conductor, directing cells to their proper places and ensuring that everything grows and develops correctly.
But where did the name “Sonic Hedgehog” come from? It all started with the discovery of the hedgehog gene (hh) in fruit flies in the 1980s. This gene was found to be involved in the development of the fly’s body plan, and researchers later discovered a similar gene in mammals, including humans. Since this mammalian gene played a similar role in pattern formation during development and shared a similar name with the fly gene, they named it “sonic hedgehog” – and the name stuck!
So, the next time you hear about the SHH protein, think of it as a video game superhero that helps our bodies grow and develop properly, all while sharing a name with one of the most famous hedgehogs in pop culture history!
2. DIABLO
DIABLO homolog (Direct IAP Binding protein with Low pI), also known as SMAC, is a protein that’s like a traffic cop for cell death, making sure everything runs smoothly. When cells need to be cleared out or destroyed, DIABLO helps regulate the process, which is called apoptosis.
But DIABLO isn’t just found in mammals – there are similar proteins, called homologs, in other species like insects, worms, and plants. These homologs have similar structures and functions to mammalian DIABLO, which suggests that the regulation of programmed cell death is an important process that has been conserved over millions of years of evolution. One particularly important DIABLO homolog is found in fruit flies, and scientists study it to better understand how cell death is regulated during development. If this DIABLO homolog has mutations, it can cause problems with tissue development and cell death.
However, DIABLO homolog is not directly related to the popular video game series of the same name. DIABLO in this context stands for “Direct IAP Binding protein with Low pI,” which refers to the protein’s function and characteristics. But it is a great coincidence and a great name for the protein!
4. Spock1
SPARC/osteonectin, CWCV, and kazal-like domains proteoglycan 1, also known as SPOCK1, is a protein found in humans that plays a role in regulating cell growth and development. It is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation.
SPOCK1 is a type of proteoglycan, which is a protein that is modified with long chains of sugars. These sugar chains help to regulate the activity of the protein and can affect how it interacts with other proteins and cells.
In particular, SPOCK1 has been found to be involved in the development and progression of various types of cancers, including breast, prostate, and lung cancer. It is thought to play a role in promoting the growth and survival of cancer cells, and may also be involved in the development of resistance to cancer treatments. While there is a coincidence in the name, the protein sadly has no connection to the Star Trek character Spock.
5. SMURF1 and SMURF 2
SMURF1 and SMURF2 are two proteins that play important roles in regulating the levels of other proteins in the cell. They are involved in a process called protein degradation, which helps to clear out old or damaged proteins from the cell.
SMURF1 and SMURF2 do this by adding a small molecule called ubiquitin to target proteins, which signals the cell’s degradation machinery to break down and dispose of the protein. In addition to protein degradation, SMURF1 and SMURF2 are also involved in various other cellular processes, including cell growth and differentiation.
Interestingly, both SMURF1 and SMURF2 were named after the fictional creatures known as “Smurfs” due to their similar sounding name and role in removing things from their environment.
