IK
IK (IK cytokine, also known as Protein Red, RED and RER) is a nuclear protein of the RED family, named for its repeated arginine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid residues. It is a component of the spliceosomal B complex and was previously called down-regulator of HLA II. Browse Assay Genie's current range of IK research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
IK is a member of the RED family. The cellular function of the protein is described as unknown in the NCBI Gene summary, but a role in viral RNA processing has been reported: together with SMU1, IK is required for normal splicing of influenza A virus NS1 pre-mRNA. That splicing event is needed to produce the exportin NS2 and, in turn, influenza A virus particles. IK is not required for the production of VSV virus particles, which indicates that the dependency is virus-specific.
The IK gene encodes a protein identified by its RED repeat, a stretch of repeated arginine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid residues. In the nucleus, the protein localises to discrete dots and is excluded from the nucleolus. UniProt also lists it in the nucleoplasm, on chromosomes and at the spindle pole of the cytoskeleton. The human IK gene maps to chromosome 5, and a pseudogene may exist on chromosome 2. Mouse and rat orthologs are both designated Ik.
The protein has been known under several names. UniProt calls it Protein Red, with the aliases RED and RER, while the HGNC name is IK cytokine and an earlier name was down-regulator of HLA II. HGNC places the gene in the spliceosomal B complex group and also among microRNA protein coding host genes. Researchers studying IK protein or the IK gene should be aware of this varied nomenclature when searching the literature.
IK is classed in the spliceosomal B complex gene group, making it relevant to studies of pre-mRNA splicing machinery.
IK, with SMU1, is required for splicing of influenza A virus NS1 pre-mRNA and production of virus particles.
The protein forms discrete nuclear dots that exclude the nucleolus, offering a subject for nuclear compartment studies.
UniProt records IK at chromosomes and the spindle pole, pointing to possible links with the cytoskeleton during division.
The NCBI Gene summary states that the function of IK is unknown. UniProt reports that, together with SMU1, it is required for normal splicing of influenza A virus NS1 pre-mRNA and for production of influenza A virus particles, but not VSV particles.
IK is also called Protein Red (UniProt), RED and RER. HGNC lists the name IK cytokine, and a previous name was down-regulator of HLA II. The RED name comes from the protein's repeat of arginine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid residues.
Yes. Mouse and rat orthologs are both named Ik. In humans, the gene maps to chromosome 5, with a possible pseudogene on chromosome 2. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other IK-named genes, including IKK complex kinases and Ikaros family zinc-finger factors, with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q13123; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.