UPK1B
Encyclopedia
Uroplakin 1B, also known as UPK1B, is a protein
which in humans is encoded by the UPK1B gene
.
family. Most of these members are cell-surface proteins that are characterized by the presence of four hydrophobic domain
s. These proteins mediate signal transduction
events that play a role in the regulation of cell development, activation, growth and motility. This encoded protein is found in the asymmetrical unit membrane (AUM) where it can form a complex with other transmembrane 4 superfamily proteins. It may play a role in normal bladder epithelial physiology, possibly in regulating membrane permeability of superficial umbrella cells or in stabilizing the apical membrane through AUM/cytoskeletal
interactions. The AUM is believed to be involved in strengthening the cells that line the bladder
, thus preventing these cells from rupturing during bladder distension
. The use of alternate polyadenylation
sites has been found for this gene.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
which in humans is encoded by the UPK1B gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
Function
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily, also known as the tetraspaninTetraspanin
Tetraspanins are a family of membrane proteins found in all multicellular eukaryotes.Tetraspanins, also called tetraspans or the transmembrane 4 superfamily , have four transmembrane domains, intracellular N- and C-termini and two extracellular domains, one short and one longer, typically 100...
family. Most of these members are cell-surface proteins that are characterized by the presence of four hydrophobic domain
Protein domain
A protein domain is a part of protein sequence and structure that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. Each domain forms a compact three-dimensional structure and often can be independently stable and folded. Many proteins consist of several structural...
s. These proteins mediate signal transduction
Signal transduction
Signal transduction occurs when an extracellular signaling molecule activates a cell surface receptor. In turn, this receptor alters intracellular molecules creating a response...
events that play a role in the regulation of cell development, activation, growth and motility. This encoded protein is found in the asymmetrical unit membrane (AUM) where it can form a complex with other transmembrane 4 superfamily proteins. It may play a role in normal bladder epithelial physiology, possibly in regulating membrane permeability of superficial umbrella cells or in stabilizing the apical membrane through AUM/cytoskeletal
Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a cellular "scaffolding" or "skeleton" contained within a cell's cytoplasm and is made out of protein. The cytoskeleton is present in all cells; it was once thought to be unique to eukaryotes, but recent research has identified the prokaryotic cytoskeleton...
interactions. The AUM is believed to be involved in strengthening the cells that line the bladder
Bladder
Bladder usually refers to an anatomical hollow organBladder may also refer to:-Biology:* Urinary bladder in humans** Urinary bladder ** Bladder control; see Urinary incontinence** Artificial urinary bladder, in humans...
, thus preventing these cells from rupturing during bladder distension
Distension
Distension generally refers to an enlargement or ballooning effect:* Gastric distension - bloating of the stomach when air is pumped into it, as in a medical procedure* Abdominal distension - abdominal bloating, a symptom of several medical conditions...
. The use of alternate polyadenylation
Polyadenylation
Polyadenylation is the addition of a poly tail to an RNA molecule. The poly tail consists of multiple adenosine monophosphates; in other words, it is a stretch of RNA that has only adenine bases. In eukaryotes, polyadenylation is part of the process that produces mature messenger RNA for translation...
sites has been found for this gene.