background:
This gene was initially identified as a locus (RP26) associated with an autosomal recessive form of retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) disease. This gene encodes a protein with ceramide kinase-like domains, however, the protein does not phosphorylate ceramide and its target substrate is currently unknown. This protein may be a negative regulator of apoptosis in photoreceptor cells. Mutations in this gene cause a form of retinitis pigmentosa characterized by autosomal recessive cone and rod dystrophy (arCRD). Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms and non-coding transcripts.[provided by RefSeq, May 2010].
Function:
Has no detectable ceramide-kinase activity. Overexpression of CERKL protects cells from apoptosis in oxidative stress conditions.
Subcellular Location:
Cytoplasm. Nucleus, nucleolus. Note=Enriched in nucleoli. May shuttle between nucleus and cytoplasm. Isoform 5 is not enriched in the nucleoli. Isoform 2: Cytoplasm. Nucleus, nucleolus. Golgi apparatus, trans-Golgi network. Endoplasmic reticulum.
Tissue Specificity:
Isoform 1 and isoform 2 are expressed in adult retina, liver and pancreas as well as in fetal brain, lung and kidney. Isoform 3 is expressed in adult retina as well as in fetal lung and liver. Isoform 4 is expressed in adult retina, lung and kidney as well as in fetal lung and liver. Moderately expressed in retina, kidney, lung, testis, trachea, and pancreas. Weakly expressed in brain, placenta and liver.
Post-translational modifications:
Phosphorylated on serine residues.
DISEASE:
Defects in CERKL are the cause of retinitis pigmentosa type 26 (RP26) [MIM:608380]. RP leads to degeneration of retinal photoreceptor cells. Patients typically have night vision blindness and loss of midperipheral visual field. As their condition progresses, they lose their far peripheral visual field and eventually central vision as well. RP26 inheritance is autosomal recessive.
Similarity:
Contains 1 DAGKc domain.
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 375298 Human
Omim: 608381 Human
SwissProt: Q49MI3 Human
Unigene: 715753 Human
Important Note:
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
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