Vesicle-associated membrane protein 7

Vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP7) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the VAMP7 gene. It is a member of the SNARE family, which are involved in vesicle fusion, a crucial process in intracellular trafficking.

Function

VAMP7 is a transmembrane protein that is a part of the SNARE complex, which is responsible for the fusion of vesicles with their target membranes. This protein is found in a variety of cell types and is involved in several different types of vesicle trafficking, including endocytosis, exocytosis, and autophagy.

Structure

The VAMP7 protein is composed of a SNARE motif, a transmembrane domain, and a longin domain. The SNARE motif is responsible for the protein's involvement in vesicle fusion, while the longin domain is thought to regulate the protein's function.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the VAMP7 gene have been associated with a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. In addition, VAMP7 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, as some pathogens have been found to manipulate the protein to facilitate their own replication.

File:VAMP7 structure.png

Structure of the VAMP7 protein.

See also

• SNARE (protein)
• Vesicle (biology and chemistry)
• Membrane transport protein

References

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