Recombinant Human BBS1 protein (ab157954)

The BBSome complex is required for ciliogenesis but is dispensable for centriolar satellite function. This ciliogenic function is mediated in part by the Rab8 GDP/GTP exchange factor, which localizes to the basal body and contacts the BBSome. Rab8(GTP) enters the primary cilium and promotes extension of the ciliary membrane. Firstly the BBSome associates with the ciliary membrane and binds to Rabin8, the guanosyl exchange factor (GEF) for Rab8 and then the Rab8-GTP localizes to the cilium and promotes docking and fusion of carrier vesicles to the base of the ciliary membrane.

Highly expressed in the kidney. Also found in fetal tissue, testis, retina, adipose tissue, heart, skeletal muscle and pancreas.

Defects in BBS1 are a cause of Bardet-Biedl syndrome type 1 (BBS1) [MIM:209900]. Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by usually severe pigmentary retinopathy, early onset obesity, polydactyly, hypogenitalism, renal malformation and mental retardation. Secondary features include diabetes mellitus, hypertension and congenital heart disease. A relatively high incidence of BBS is found in the mixed Arab populations of Kuwait and in Bedouin tribes throughout the Middle East, most likely due to the high rate of consaguinity in these populations and a founder effect. Inheritance is autosomal recessive, but three mutated alleles (two at one locus, and a third at a second locus) may be required for disease manifestation in some cases (triallelic inheritance).

Cell projection > cilium membrane. Cytoplasm. Localizes to nonmembranous centriolar satellites in the cytoplasm.