OCLN
OCLN (occludin, also known as PPP1R115) is an integral membrane protein of the tight junction. It is required for cytokine-induced regulation of the paracellular permeability barrier and acts as a coreceptor for hepatitis C virus in hepatocytes. Browse Assay Genie's current range of OCLN research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
OCLN encodes occludin, an integral membrane protein localised to the cell membrane and to tight junctions between cells. According to the NCBI Gene summary, it is required for cytokine-induced regulation of the tight junction paracellular permeability barrier, which makes it a frequent subject in studies of epithelial and endothelial barrier function. In hepatocytes, occludin also acts as a coreceptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV), linking a structural junction component to microbial infection biology.
The OCLN gene sits at 5q13.2 and the protein belongs to the ELL/occludin family. HGNC classifies it within the tetraspan junctional complex superfamily and among MARVEL domain containing proteins. It is also listed in the group of protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunits, which explains the alias PPP1R115. Alternative splicing of the gene results in multiple transcript variants, and a related pseudogene lies downstream on the q arm of chromosome 5. Mouse and rat each carry an orthologue named Ocln, so the OCLN gene can be studied across common rodent models.
Mutations in OCLN are thought to cause band-like calcification with simplified gyration and polymicrogyria (BLC-PMG), an autosomal recessive neurologic disorder also known as pseudo-TORCH syndrome. Researchers working on tight junction biology, barrier integrity, viral entry or this neurological condition commonly use OCLN antibody, OCLN ELISA kit and OCLN protein reagents to investigate occludin expression and function.
OCLN is an integral tight junction protein, so it is a core subject in studies of how cell-cell junctions are organised.
Occludin is required for cytokine-induced regulation of the paracellular permeability barrier, making it relevant to barrier modulation research.
Occludin acts as a coreceptor for HCV in hepatocytes, which places it in research on viral entry mechanisms.
OCLN mutations are thought to cause BLC-PMG, or pseudo-TORCH syndrome, an autosomal recessive neurologic disorder.
OCLN encodes occludin, an integral membrane protein required for cytokine-induced regulation of the tight junction paracellular permeability barrier. In hepatocytes it also acts as a coreceptor for hepatitis C virus. It localises to the cell membrane and tight junctions.
OCLN is also known as PPP1R115, reflecting its HGNC grouping among protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunits. The full name is occludin. The NCBI Gene summary notes that alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants, and that a related pseudogene exists on chromosome 5.
Mutations in OCLN are thought to cause BLC-PMG, also called pseudo-TORCH syndrome, an autosomal recessive neurologic disorder. Mouse and rat both have an orthologue named Ocln. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other tight junction proteins, barrier-function markers and viral entry factors with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q16625; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.