MARCKS
MARCKS (myristoylated alanine rich protein kinase C substrate; also PKCSL, 80K-L and MACS) is a membrane-associated protein kinase C substrate that crosslinks actin filaments. It links the plasma membrane to the actin cytoskeleton and influences cell motility, adhesion and membrane trafficking. Browse Assay Genie's current range of MARCKS research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
MARCKS is a membrane-associated protein that modulates the structure of the actin cytoskeleton. It acts through lipid sequestering and protein docking to membranes, and so influences chemotaxis, motility, cell adhesion, phagocytosis and exocytosis. In quiescent cells it sequesters phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) at lipid rafts in the plasma membrane, an action reversed by protein kinase C, which ultimately inhibits exocytosis. Phosphorylation by protein kinase C, or binding of calcium-calmodulin, weakens its association with actin and with the plasma membrane, so the protein moves into the cytoplasm.
The MARCKS protein belongs to the MARCKS family and is found at the cell membrane, in the cytoskeleton and in the cytoplasm. In inflammation it promotes the migration and adhesion of inflammatory cells and the secretion of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF), particularly in macrophages. It is also described as essential for bacteria-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in monocytic cells. In neurons, MARCKS takes part in neurite initiation and outgrowth by interacting with machinery including CDC42, which regulates cell shape and process extension through the cytoskeleton. It also contributes to axon development by mediating docking and fusion of RAB10-positive vesicles with the plasma membrane.
Through these activities the MARCKS gene product affects processes such as embryonic development, tissue regeneration, neuronal plasticity and inflammation. The name reflects its myristoylated, alanine-rich character and its role as a substrate of protein kinase C. Earlier names include 80K-L, and the related family member MARCKSL1 is a separate gene. Mouse and rat both carry a Marcks ortholog.
MARCKS structurally modulates the actin cytoskeleton and crosslinks actin filaments, making it a useful focus for studies of membrane–cytoskeleton coupling.
As a protein kinase C substrate that releases PIP2 and moves off the membrane when phosphorylated, MARCKS reports on kinase-dependent regulation of exocytosis.
MARCKS promotes inflammatory cell migration and adhesion and the secretion of cytokines such as TNF, particularly in macrophages.
MARCKS participates in neurite initiation and outgrowth with CDC42 and in axon development through RAB10-positive vesicle fusion.
MARCKS is a membrane-associated protein that modulates the actin cytoskeleton through lipid sequestering and protein docking. It sequesters PIP2 at lipid rafts in quiescent cells and influences motility, adhesion, phagocytosis and exocytosis. Protein kinase C phosphorylation reverses its membrane association.
MARCKS stands for myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate. Aliases and previous symbols include PKCSL, 80K-L and MACS. The UniProt entry places it in the MARCKS family, which also includes the separate gene MARCKSL1.
Yes. Both mouse and rat have a Marcks ortholog of the human gene. Researchers working across species should confirm reactivity, so check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
MARCKSL1, the related MARCKS family member, with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P29966; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.