Organization, evolution and functions of the human and mouse Ly6/uPAR family genes

Hum Genomics. 2016 Apr 21:10:10. doi: 10.1186/s40246-016-0074-2.

Abstract

Members of the lymphocyte antigen-6 (Ly6)/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) superfamily of proteins are cysteine-rich proteins characterized by a distinct disulfide bridge pattern that creates the three-finger Ly6/uPAR (LU) domain. Although the Ly6/uPAR family proteins share a common structure, their expression patterns and functions vary. To date, 35 human and 61 mouse Ly6/uPAR family members have been identified. Based on their subcellular localization, these proteins are further classified as GPI-anchored on the cell membrane, or secreted. The genes encoding Ly6/uPAR family proteins are conserved across different species and are clustered in syntenic regions on human chromosomes 8, 19, 6 and 11, and mouse Chromosomes 15, 7, 17, and 9, respectively. Here, we review the human and mouse Ly6/uPAR family gene and protein structure and genomic organization, expression, functions, and evolution, and introduce new names for novel family members.

Keywords: LU domain; Ly6/uPAR family; Lymphocytes; Neutrophils; Three-finger domain; uPAR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Ly / genetics*
  • Chromosomes / genetics
  • Genome, Human
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Multigene Family / genetics*
  • Neutrophils
  • Protein Domains
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Antigens, Ly
  • Ly6 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator