NICOL1
Function
mRNA-binding protein which interacts with a range of target mRNAs including SERPINE1, ACTA2, CCN2 and COL4A1 and may promote extracellular matrix production. Binds to the 3'-UTR of SERPINE1 mRNA and stabilizes the mRNA, possibly by competing for binding with SERBP1 and preventing SERBP1-mediated mRNA degradation. Also binds to the 3'-UTR of ACTA2. Testis-derived lumicrine factor that triggers epididymal differentiation and sperm maturation.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the NICOL family.
Tissue Specificity
Detected in the brain (at protein level) (PubMed:21287218). Also expressed at low levels in the kidney, primarily in tubular epithelial cells (PubMed:38625739).
Cellular localization
- Secreted
- Cytoplasm
- Perinuclear region
- Detected in the perinuclear region of fibroblasts.
Alternative names
C4orf48, NICOL1, NELL2-interacting cell ontogeny regulator 1, NELL2-interacting cofactor for lumicrine signaling, NICOL