Regulator of nonsense transcripts 3A 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, respo ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''UPF3A''
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 ba ...
.
This gene encodes a protein that is part of a post-splicing multiprotein complex involved in both mRNA nuclear export and
mRNA surveillance
mRNA surveillance mechanisms are pathways utilized by organisms to ensure fidelity and quality of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. There are a number of surveillance mechanisms present within cells. These mechanisms function at various steps of th ...
. The encoded protein is one of two functional homologs to yeast Upf3p. mRNA surveillance detects exported mRNAs with truncated open reading frames and initiates
nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a surveillance pathway that exists in all eukaryotes. Its main function is to reduce errors in gene expression by eliminating mRNA transcripts that contain premature stop codons. Translation of these aberran ...
(NMD). When translation ends upstream from the last exon-exon junction, this triggers NMD to degrade mRNAs containing
premature stop codon
In genetics, a nonsense mutation is a point mutation in a sequence of DNA that results in a premature stop codon, or a ''nonsense codon'' in the transcribed mRNA, and in leading to a truncated, incomplete, and usually nonfunctional protein produc ...
s. This protein binds to the mRNA and remains bound after nuclear export, acting as a
nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein Nuclear transport refers to the mechanisms by which molecules move across the nuclear membrane of a cell. The entry and exit of large molecules from the cell nucleus is tightly controlled by the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). Although small molecul ...
. It forms with
RBM8A
RNA-binding protein 8A is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''RBM8A'' gene.
This gene encodes a protein with a conserved RNA-binding motif. The protein is found predominantly in the nucleus, although it is also present in the cytoplasm. ...
a complex that binds specifically 20 nt upstream of exon-exon junctions. This gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 13. Two splice variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.
Interactions
UPF3A 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
RBM8A
RNA-binding protein 8A is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''RBM8A'' gene.
This gene encodes a protein with a conserved RNA-binding motif. The protein is found predominantly in the nucleus, although it is also present in the cytoplasm. ...
,
UPF2
Regulator of nonsense transcripts 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''UPF2'' gene.
Function
This gene encodes a protein that is part of a post-splicing multiprotein complex, the exon junction complex, involved in both mRNA nuclea ...
and
UPF1
Regulator of nonsense transcripts 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''UPF1'' gene.
Function
This gene encodes a protein that is part of a post-splicing multiprotein complex, the exon junction complex, involved in both mRNA nuclea ...
.
References
Further reading
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