Crystallins are separated into two classes: taxon-specific, or enzyme, and ubiquitous. The latter class constitutes the major proteins of vertebrate eye lens and maintains the transparency and refractive index of the lens. The former class is also called phylogenetically-restricted crystallins. This gene encodes a taxon-specific crystallin protein which has NADPH-dependent quinone reductase activity distinct from other known quinone reductases. It lacks alcohol dehydrogenase activity although by similarity it is considered a member of the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family. Unlike other mammalian species, in humans, lens expression is low. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. One pseudogene is known to exist. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2008]
Function:
Does not have alcohol dehydrogenase activity. Binds NADP and acts through a one-electron transfer process. Orthoquinones, such as 1,2-naphthoquinone or 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, are the best substrates (in vitro). May act in the detoxification of xenobiotics. Interacts with (AU)-rich elements (ARE) in the 3'-UTR of target mRNA species. Enhances the stability of mRNA coding for BCL2. NADPH binding interferes with mRNA binding.
Subcellular Location:
Cytoplasm.
Tissue Specificity:
Only very low amounts in the lens.
Similarity:
Belongs to the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family. Quinone oxidoreductase subfamily.
SWISS:
Q08257
Gene ID:
1429
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 1429 Human
Omim: 123691 Human
SwissProt: Q08257 Human
Unigene: 83114 Human
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