| Modification Notes |
The gene encoding GTPBP1 (GTP-binding protein 1), a 669 amino acid cytoplasmic protein, is highly conserved among species with 97% sequence similarity between the human and mouse homologs. While mainly expressed in smooth muscle, brain, thymus, kidney and lung, expression of GTPBP1 in monocytes can be induced by IFN-©, a finding which is similar with other members of the G protein superfamily. The primary structure of GTPBP1 seems to indicate that it is related to EF-1 å and EF-Tu, G proteins that are important components of protein synthesis machinery. Since mutation of the gene encoding GTPBP1 does not lead to any phenotypic abnormalities, it is thought that there may be a genetic redundancy to make up for GTPBP1 lack-of-function. GTPBP2 shares 44% sequence similarity with GTPBP1 and also overlaps in expression pattern, suggesting that the GTPBP2 gene may compensate for GTPBP1 genetic abnormalities. |