This gene encodes a member of the Ly-6/neurotoxin gene family, a group of lymphocyte antigens that attach to the cell surface by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor and have a unique structure showing conserved 8-10 cysteine residues with a characteristic spacing pattern. Functional analysis indicates that this protein is not a ligand or neurotransmitter but has the capacity to enhance nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function in the presence of acetylcholine. This gene may also play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris. Alternatively spliced variants encoding different isoforms have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Function:
Acts in different tissues through interaction to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In brain, isoform 2 modulates functional properties of nAChRs to prevent excessive excitation, and hence neurodegeneration. Enhances desensitization by increasing both the rate and extent of desensitization of alpha4beta2 nAChRs and slowing recovery from desensitization. Promotes large amplitude ACh-evoked currents through alpha4beta2 nAChRs By similarity. Prevents plasticity in the primary visual cortex late in life By similarity. In keratinocytes, isoform 3 delays differentiation and prevents apoptosis.
Subunit:
Isoform 2 interacts with nAChRs, including alpha4beta2 (CHRNA4/CHRNB2) and alpha7 (CHRNA7) By similarity. Competes with alpha-bungarotoxin for nAChR alpha7 binding. Isoform 3 may interact with heteropentameric nAChRs expressed by keratinocytes.
Subcellular Location:
Cell membrane.
Tissue Specificity:
Isoform 3 is expressed at highest levels in cervix and esophagus, followed by adult and fetal skin. Expressed at lower levels in brain, lung, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, uterus, and thymus. Not detected in spleen nor bone marrow. In the epidermis, predominantly produced by keratinocytes of the suprabasal epidermal compartment (at protein level). In attached gingiva, produced at highest levels by basal cells located in the lowermost epithelial layers (at protein level). Up-regulated 3-fold in psoriatic lesional skin. Detected in serum (at protein level).
Similarity:
Contains 1 UPAR/Ly6 domain.
SWISS:
P0DP58
Gene ID:
111188157
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 66004 Human
Entrez
Gene: 23936 Mouse
Entrez
Gene: 300018 Rat
Omim: 606110 Human
SwissProt: P0DP58 Human
SwissProt: Q9WVC2 Mouse
Unigene:
158665 Human
Unigene:
257067 Mouse
Unigene:
6445 Rat
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