PICK1
PICK1 (protein interacting with PRKCA 1, also known as PRKCABP) is a PDZ domain-containing adaptor protein that organises the subcellular localisation of membrane proteins. It links protein kinase C alpha to its targets and regulates AMPA receptor trafficking at synapses. Browse Assay Genie's current range of PICK1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
PICK1 is a probable adaptor protein that binds to and organises the subcellular localisation of a variety of membrane proteins carrying a PDZ recognition sequence. It is involved in the clustering of various receptors, possibly by acting at the level of receptor internalisation. At synapses, PICK1 contributes to synaptic plasticity by regulating the trafficking and internalisation of AMPA receptors. It may also regulate the ASIC1/ASIC3 channel, and its activity may be regulated upon PRKCA activation.
PICK1 also acts on the actin cytoskeleton. It inhibits the actin-nucleating activity of the Arp2/3 complex, competing with nucleation-promoting factors. This function is linked to the regulation of neuronal morphology and AMPA receptor (AMPAR) endocytosis. Through its interaction with the Arp2/3 complex, PICK1 helps regulate plasticity at excitatory synapses and is required for spine shrinkage during long-term depression (LTD). It is also involved in regulating astrocyte morphology, where it acts antagonistically to the Arp2/3 activator WASL/N-WASP.
The PICK1 gene encodes a protein whose PDZ domain interacts with protein kinase C alpha (PRKCA); the protein also belongs to the AH domain-containing group. It has been shown to interact with multiple glutamate receptor subtypes, monoamine plasma membrane transporters and non-voltage-gated sodium channels, and may target PRKCA to these proteins to regulate their distribution and function. PICK1 can also anchor PRKCA to mitochondria in a ligand-specific manner. Three transcript variants encode the same protein. UniProt records its locations as perinuclear cytoplasm, membrane, postsynaptic density, synaptosome and cytoskeleton. The name reflects its original description as a protein kinase C, alpha binding protein. Mouse and rat orthologs are both named Pick1.
PICK1 regulates AMPA receptor trafficking and internalisation, and is required for spine shrinkage during long-term depression at excitatory synapses.
By inhibiting Arp2/3 complex nucleation activity, PICK1 links actin polymerisation to neuronal morphology and AMPA receptor endocytosis.
PICK1 uses its PDZ domain to organise membrane proteins, including glutamate receptors, monoamine transporters and non-voltage-gated sodium channels.
PICK1 binds PRKCA and may direct it to membrane proteins and, in a ligand-specific manner, to mitochondria.
PICK1 is a probable adaptor protein that binds PDZ recognition sequences on membrane proteins and organises their localisation. It regulates AMPA receptor trafficking and internalisation, inhibits Arp2/3-driven actin nucleation, and contributes to synaptic plasticity, including spine shrinkage during long-term depression.
PICK1 is also called PRKCA-binding protein, PRKCABP, dJ1039K5 and MGC15204. Earlier names include protein kinase C, alpha binding protein. NCBI Gene reports three transcript variants, and all of them encode the same protein.
The mouse and rat genes are both named Pick1, indicating orthologs of the human gene. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before choosing a reagent for a given species.
Binding partners, AMPA receptor subunits and cytoskeletal regulators connected to PICK1 signalling.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9NRD5; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.