S100Z Human

S100 Calcium Binding Protein Z (S100Z) is a member of the S100 protein family, which is characterized by the presence of two calcium-binding EF-hand motifs. These proteins are involved in a variety of intracellular and extracellular functions, including regulation of protein phosphorylation, enzyme activities, cell growth and differentiation, and the dynamics of cytoskeleton components .

The S100Z gene is located on chromosome 5 and encodes a protein that is approximately 10-14 kDa in size. The protein consists of two EF-hand calcium-binding motifs, which are helix-loop-helix structures that facilitate calcium ion binding . The S100Z protein is known to form dimers and multimers, which are essential for its biological functions .

S100Z is expressed in various tissues, with enhanced expression observed in bone marrow and lymphoid tissues . The protein is localized primarily in the cytosol and centrosome, but it can also be found in the nucleoplasm . This diverse localization suggests that S100Z may play multiple roles within the cell.

S100Z, like other S100 proteins, is involved in calcium-dependent signal transduction pathways. These pathways regulate a wide range of cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, cell growth, differentiation, and metabolism . The protein’s ability to bind calcium ions is crucial for its role in these processes.

Alterations in the expression or function of S100Z have been associated with various diseases. For example, S100Z has been linked to photokeratitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the cornea due to UV radiation exposure . Additionally, the protein’s involvement in calcium signaling pathways suggests that it may play a role in other conditions, such as neurological and cardiac diseases .