Anti-BLNK antibody [Y491] (ab32418)

Function

Functions as a central linker protein that bridges kinases associated with the B-cell receptor (BCR) with a multitude of signaling pathways, regulating biological outcomes of B-cell function and development. Plays a role in the activation of ERK/EPHB2, MAP kinase p38 and JNK. Modulates AP1 activation. Important for the activation of NF-kappa-B and NFAT. Plays an important role in BCR-mediated PLCG1 and PLCG2 activation and Ca(2+) mobilization and is required for trafficking of the BCR to late endosomes. However, does not seem to be required for pre-BCR-mediated activation of MAP kinase and phosphatidyl-inositol 3 (PI3) kinase signaling. May be required for the RAC1-JNK pathway. Plays a critical role in orchestrating the pro-B cell to pre-B cell transition (By similarity). Plays an important role in BCR-induced B-cell apoptosis.

Tissue specificity

Expressed in B-cell lineage and fibroblast cell lines (at protein level). Highest levels of expression in the spleen, with lower levels in the liver, kidney, pancreas, small intestines and colon.

Involvement in disease

Defects in BLNK are the cause of agammaglobulinemia type 4 (AGM4) [MIM:613502]. It is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by profoundly low or absent serum antibodies and low or absent circulating B cells due to an early block of B-cell development. Affected individuals develop severe infections in the first years of life.

Sequence similarities

Contains 1 SH2 domain.

Post-translational
modifications

Following BCR activation, phosphorylated on tyrosine residues by SYK and LYN. When phosphorylated, serves as a scaffold to assemble downstream targets of antigen activation, including PLCG1, VAV1, GRB2 and NCK1. Phosphorylation of Tyr-84, Tyr-178 and Tyr-189 facilitates PLCG1 binding. Phosphorylation of Tyr-96 facilitates BTK binding. Phosphorylation of Tyr-72 facilitates VAV1 and NCK1 binding. Phosphorylation is required for both Ca(2+) and MAPK signaling pathways.

Cellular localization

Cytoplasm. Cell membrane. BCR activation results in the translocation to membrane fraction.

Alternative names

Database links