Tmem163 Protein (Transmembrane Protein 163) is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Tmem163 Protein (Transmembrane Protein 163) is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Overview
Structure
TMEM163 is a putative transmembrane protein of unknown function. Genetic studies have implicated TMEM163 variants in Parkinson's disease risk. The protein may be involved in metal ion transport or cellular homeostasis, though further functional characterization is needed.
The protein contains characteristic domains relevant to its function:
transmembrane domains for membrane localization
functional domains specific to its protein family
potential regulatory regions
Normal Function
Cellular Roles
Membrane protein targeting and insertion
Protein quality control mechanisms
Lipid metabolism and homeostasis
Cellular stress response pathways
Brain Expression
This protein is expressed in various brain regions:
Cerebral [cortex](/brain-regions/cortex) ([neurons](/entities/neurons) and glia)
[Hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus)
Basal ganglia
[Cerebellum](/brain-regions/cerebellum)
Role in Disease
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is associated with altered TMEM163 function through genetic variants and expression changes.
Disease Mechanisms
Altered protein localization or trafficking
Impaired cellular quality control
Dysregulated lipid or ion homeostasis
Therapeutic Targeting
Current Approaches
Research is ongoing to develop therapeutic strategies:
The study of Tmem163 Protein (Transmembrane Protein 163) has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Gene Nomenclature and Identity
TMEM163 (Transmembrane Protein 163) has undergone some nomenclature confusion. While originally thought to be a zinc transporter, functional studies suggest it may be distinct from the SLC30 (ZnT) family. The gene is located at 2q37.3 and encodes a protein with multiple predicted transmembrane domains.
Aliases and Previous Names
TMEM163 (current official symbol)
Previously studied as potential zinc transporter
Not to be confused with SLC30A3 (ZnT-3)
Predicted Topology and Structure
Transmembrane Architecture
6-8 predicted transmembrane helices
N-terminus predicted to be extracellular
Multiple N-glycosylation sites (N42, N78, N156)
C-terminal PDZ-binding motif
Structural Predictions
Based on homology modeling:
Membrane-spanning regions rich in hydrophobic residues