Obesity Risk Gene TMEM18 Encodes a Sequence-Specific DNA-Binding Protein
2011
TMEM18 and Its Role in DNA Binding and Gene Suppression
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Jaana M. Jurvansuu, Adrian Goldman
Primary Institution: Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Hypothesis
What does TMEM18 do in the cell?
Conclusion
TMEM18 is a nuclear membrane protein that binds DNA and suppresses transcription.
Supporting Evidence
- TMEM18 localises to the nuclear membrane and binds to DNA in a sequence-specific manner.
- The GCT nucleotide triplet is the most frequent target for TMEM18 binding.
- Overexpression of TMEM18 reduces luciferase expression from a reporter vector with GCT repeats.
Takeaway
TMEM18 is a protein that helps control how genes are turned on or off by sticking to DNA and keeping it close to the cell's center.
Methodology
The study used fluorescence microscopy, cell fractionation, Western blotting, SELEX, and luciferase assays to investigate TMEM18's properties and functions.
Limitations
The study does not explore the full range of TMEM18's interactions with other proteins or its effects in different cell types.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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