Human C21orf63 is a heparin-binding protein

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Glycobiology

Background:

• Human C21orf63 is a type-1 transmembrane protein with unknown function.
• It possesses two putative galactose-binding lectin domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the function of human C21orf63.
• To investigate the binding properties and tissue expression of C21orf63.

Main Methods:

• Glycan microarray analysis
• Biochemical assays
• Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
• Tissue immunostaining

Main Results:

• Human C21orf63 specifically interacts with heparin and, to a lesser extent, heparan sulfate.
• The C-terminal galactose-binding lectin domain is essential for heparin binding.
• Unlike other related proteins, C21orf63 exhibits a unique heparin-binding capability.
• Expression analysis indicates C21orf63 is present on the epithelia of various human tissues.

Conclusions:

• Human C21orf63 is a novel heparin-binding protein.
• Its unique interaction with heparin suggests a specialized biological role.
• The epithelial expression pattern implies involvement in tissue-specific functions.