FAM20A
FAM20A is a pseudokinase of the FAM20 family that acts as an allosteric activator of the Golgi kinase FAM20C and contributes to the biomineralisation of teeth. It is also known as DKFZp434F2322, and was formerly named family with sequence similarity 20, member A. Browse Assay Genie's current range of FAM20A research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
FAM20A is a pseudokinase, meaning it belongs to a group of kinase-like proteins that are not described as acting as conventional catalytic kinases. Instead, it functions as an allosteric activator of the Golgi serine/threonine protein kinase FAM20C. FAM20A forms a complex with FAM20C and increases the ability of FAM20C to phosphorylate the proteins that make up the matrix guiding the deposition of enamel minerals. Through this partnership, the protein is involved in the biomineralisation of teeth.
The human FAM20A gene is classed by HGNC within the Golgi associated kinase family and the pseudokinases, and UniProt places the protein in the FAM20 family. Its subcellular locations are given as secreted, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum, consistent with a role in the secretory pathway. NCBI Gene notes that the locus encodes a protein that is likely secreted and may function in haematopoiesis, and that alternatively spliced transcript variants have been identified. The mouse ortholog is Fam20a.
The official name, FAM20A golgi associated secretory pathway pseudokinase, replaced the earlier name family with sequence similarity 20, member A. A mutation at this locus has been associated with amelogenesis imperfecta and gingival hyperplasia syndrome, which makes FAM20A a useful subject for studies of enamel development and dental disease. Researchers studying FAM20A often consider it alongside its partner kinase FAM20C and the wider FAM20 family when examining secretory pathway phosphorylation.
FAM20A helps drive phosphorylation of the matrix proteins that guide enamel mineral deposition, making it central to studies of tooth formation.
As an allosteric activator of FAM20C, FAM20A illustrates how kinase-like proteins without catalytic roles can regulate an active kinase.
Localised to the Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum and extracellular space, FAM20A is relevant to research on protein processing and secretion.
A mutation at the FAM20A locus is associated with amelogenesis imperfecta and gingival hyperplasia syndrome, supporting genetic and disease-mechanism studies.
FAM20A is a pseudokinase that allosterically activates the Golgi serine/threonine kinase FAM20C. By forming a complex with FAM20C, it increases phosphorylation of the proteins forming the matrix that guides enamel mineral deposition, so it is involved in the biomineralisation of teeth.
The HGNC name is FAM20A golgi associated secretory pathway pseudokinase, and UniProt lists Pseudokinase FAM20A. Previous names include family with sequence similarity 20, member A, and the alias DKFZp434F2322 is also used. NCBI Gene reports alternatively spliced transcript variants at this locus.
A mutation at the FAM20A locus has been associated with amelogenesis imperfecta and gingival hyperplasia syndrome. The mouse ortholog is Fam20a; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other FAM20 family members and further FAM-named proteins with research reagents at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q96MK3; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.