Stomatin

Clinical significance

Stomatin is a 31 kDa integral membrane protein, named after the rare human haemolytic anaemia hereditary stomatocytosis. This gene encodes a member of a highly conserved family of integral membrane proteins. The encoded protein localizes to the cell membrane of red blood cells and other cell types, where it may regulate ion channels and transporters. Loss of localization of the encoded protein is associated with hereditary stomatocytosis, a form of hemolytic anemia.

Function

This gene encodes a member of a highly conserved family of integral membrane proteins. The encoded protein localizes to the cell membrane of red blood cells and other cell types, where it may regulate ion channels and transporters. Loss of localization of the encoded protein is associated with hereditary stomatocytosis, a form of hemolytic anemia.

Although the wide distribution of stomatin and its constitutive expression suggest an important role for this protein in cell biology, perhaps as a “house-keeping” component, its function remains undetermined. The massive presence of stomatin in membrane-protruding folds and extensions suggests a possible structural role for this protein in the formation of these structures and/or the anchorage to the actin cytoskeleton.

References

References

1. (Oct 1991). "Cloning and nucleotide sequence of cDNA encoding human erythrocyte band 7 integral membrane protein". Biochim Biophys Acta.
2. "Entrez Gene: STOM stomatin".