| Modification Notes |
Sentan, also known as SNTN, is a 147 amino acid protein that belongs to the S-100 family. Sentan, which means 'tip' in Japanese, is expressed exclusively at the cilium tip where it localizes between the cell membrane and peripheral A-subfibers. The sentan protein may be a component of the linker structure that bridges the ciliary membrane and peripheral singlet microtubules. It has been suggested that sentan is the first molecular component of the ciliary tip to bridge the cell membrane and peripheral singlet microtubules, making the distal portion of the cilia narrow and stiff to allow for better airway clearance or ovum transport. Motile cilia are observed on the respiratory epithelium, along the female reproductive tract and on the ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain. The sentan gene is conserved in chimpanzee, cow, mouse, rat and chicken, and maps to human chromosome 3p14.2. |