FEM1A
FEM1A (fem-1 homolog A) is the substrate-recognition component of a Cul2-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. It identifies target proteins through C-terminal degrons, marking them for ubiquitination and degradation, and has also been linked to the control of inflammatory signalling. Browse Assay Genie's current range of FEM1A research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
FEM1A acts as the substrate-recognition component of a Cul2-RING (CRL2) E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex in the DesCEND (destruction via C-end degrons) pathway. This pathway recognises a C-degron at the extreme C terminus of target proteins, usually a motif of fewer than ten residues, which can be present in full-length proteins, truncated proteins or proteolytically cleaved forms. The CRL2(FEM1A) complex specifically recognises proteins with an arginine at the C terminus, binding -Lys/Arg-Xaa-Arg and -Lys/Arg-Xaa-Xaa-Arg C-degrons, as found in SIL1 and OR51B2, and so directs their ubiquitination and degradation. FEM1A also promotes ubiquitination and degradation of SLBP.
Beyond protein turnover, FEM1A has roles in inflammation. It is involved in PGE2-EP4-mediated inhibition of inflammation in macrophages through interaction with NFKB1 and PTGER4, and NCBI Gene annotates it with EP4 subtype prostaglandin E2 receptor binding and negative regulation of the inflammatory response. In brain microglia, FEM1A promotes inflammation through MAP2K4/MKK4-mediated signalling. Reported locations include mitochondrion and cytoplasm, with Golgi apparatus and nucleoplasm also noted.
The FEM1A gene encodes a member of the fem-1 family and belongs to the HGNC group of ankyrin repeat domain containing proteins. Its previous name, fem-1 homolog a (C. elegans), reflects its relationship to the nematode fem-1 gene. The mouse ortholog is Fem1aa and the rat ortholog is Fem1a. Researchers studying FEM1A protein often do so in the context of degron recognition, ubiquitin ligase biology and inflammatory signalling.
FEM1A is a substrate adaptor of the DesCEND pathway, recognising C-terminal Lys/Arg-Xaa-Arg degrons to target proteins for degradation.
As part of a Cul2-RING complex, FEM1A links substrate recognition to ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolism, including turnover of SLBP.
FEM1A interacts with NFKB1 and PTGER4 in PGE2-EP4-mediated inhibition of inflammation in macrophages.
FEM1A promotes inflammation in brain microglia through MAP2K4/MKK4-mediated signalling, making it relevant to neuroinflammation studies.
FEM1A is the substrate-recognition subunit of a Cul2-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase. It binds proteins carrying C-terminal arginine degrons, such as SIL1 and OR51B2, and promotes their ubiquitination and degradation. It also promotes SLBP degradation and influences inflammatory signalling in macrophages and microglia.
The approved name is fem-1 homolog A, and UniProt lists it as protein fem-1 homolog A. The earlier HGNC name was fem-1 homolog a (C. elegans). No alternative gene symbols are recorded. It belongs to the fem-1 family and the ankyrin repeat domain containing gene group.
Yes. FEM1A has a mouse ortholog, Fem1aa, and a rat ortholog, Fem1a, and its name reflects homology to C. elegans fem-1. Researchers should check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other fem-1 family members, Cul2-RING ligase components, degron substrates and inflammation-pathway partners with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9BSK4; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.