RNF10 (Ring Finger Protein 10) is a gene located on chromosome 12q24.31 that encodes a RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligase. RNF10 is involved in various cellular processes including protein degradation, signal transduction, and stress responses. The gene has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease [1][2].
Gene Structure
The RNF10 gene spans approximately 20 kb and consists of 9 exons. The gene encodes a 672-amino acid protein containing a RING finger domain.
Genomic Organization
Chromosome: 12q24.31
Location: chr12: 120949267-120970595
Strand: Minus strand
Exons: 9
Protein Structure and Function
Domain Architecture
RNF10 contains:
RING finger domain: C3H2C3-type RING finger for E3 ubiquitin ligase activity
Transmembrane domain: Predicted membrane association
N-terminal region: Regulatory functions
Biological Functions
Ubiquitination
E3 ubiquitin ligase: Catalyzes attachment of ubiquitin to target proteins
Protein degradation: Targets proteins for proteasomal or lysosomal degradation
Signal regulation: Modulates various signaling pathways
Cellular Processes
Stress responses: Involved in cellular stress signaling
Transcription regulation: May affect gene expression
Membrane protein quality control: Degrades misfolded membrane proteins
RNF10 in Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
RNF10 has been implicated in ALS pathogenesis:
Dysregulated expression: Altered RNF10 levels in ALS motor [neurons](/entities/neurons)
Protein aggregation: May be involved in protein aggregation pathways
ER stress: Linked to endoplasmic reticulum stress responses
Alzheimer's Disease
RNF10 may play a role in AD:
APP processing: Potential involvement in [amyloid precursor protein](/entities/app-protein) metabolism
[Tau](/proteins/tau) pathology: May affect tau ubiquitination
Synaptic function: Implicated in synaptic protein turnover
Expression Pattern
Tissue Distribution
RNF10 is ubiquitously expressed with highest levels in:
[ER Stress in Neurodegeneration](/mechanisms/er-stress-neurodegeneration)
[Genes Index](/genes)
References
[Saito T, Matsumoto Z, Ogasawara J, et al, "RNF10, a novel RING finger protein, regulates synaptic plasticity." Journal of Neurochemistry (2019)](https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.14694)
[Yoshida Y, Yoshida K, Kataoka M, et al, "RNF10, a regulator of neuronal excitability." Cell Calcium (2020)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceca.2020.102301)
[Liu J, Luo S, Zhao H, et al, "RNF10 in Alzheimer's disease: a potential biomarker and therapeutic target." Frontiers in Neuroscience (2022)](https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.892345)