Protein piccolo is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, res ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''PCLO''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "... Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a b ...
.
Function
Synaptic vesicles dock and fuse in the active zone of the plasma membrane at chemical synapses. The presynaptic cytoskeletal matrix (PCM), which is associated with the active zone and is situated between synaptic vesicles, is thought to be involved in maintaining the neurotransmitter release site in register with the postsynaptic reception apparatus. The cycling of synaptic vesicles is a multistep process involving a number of proteins (see MIM 603215). Among the components of the PCM that orchestrate these events are Bassoon (BSN; MIM 604020), RIM (RIMS1; MIM 606629), Oboe (RIMS2; MIM 606630), and Piccolo (PCLO).
upplied by OMIMref name="entrez"/>
Interactions
The protein product of ''PCLO'' called Piccolo has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizati ...
with number of proteins including
GIT1
ARF GTPase-activating protein GIT1 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ''GIT1'' gene.
GIT1 contains an ARFGAP domain, Anykrin repeats, and a GRK-interacting domain. The Arf-GAP domain, which enables it to act as a GTPase activating prot ...
,
the F-actin-binding protein Abp1, PRA1, TRIO, DAAM1, and Profilin.
Clinical relevance
Recurrent mutations in this gene have been associated to cases of
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a cancer of B cells, a type of lymphocyte that is responsible for producing antibodies. It is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among adults, with an annual incidence of 7–8 cases per 100,00 ...
.
Recent evidence has shown that a homozygous, nonsense PCLO mutation is the genetic cause of the autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder, pontocerebellar hypoplasia type III (PCH3).
References
Further reading
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External links
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