MORC3
Description
The MORC3 (MORC family CW-type zinc finger 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 21.
MORC family CW-type zinc finger protein 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MORC3 gene. This gene encodes a protein that localizes to the nuclear matrix. The protein also has RNA binding activity, and has a predicted coiled-coil domain.
MORC3 is a nuclear matrix protein that forms nuclear bodies (MORC3-NBs) through an ATP-dependent mechanism. It plays a crucial role in innate immunity by regulating the interferon (IFN) response and restricting various viruses. MORC3 possesses a primary antiviral function by activating IFNB1 through a specific DNA element. This function is balanced by a secondary IFN-repressing function. Sumoylated MORC3-NBs associate with PML-NBs and recruit TP53 and SP100, ultimately regulating TP53 activity. MORC3 binds to RNA in vitro. It functions as a histone methylation reader, binding to different methylation states of lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4me0, H3K4me1, H3K4me2, and H3K4me3) with a preference for H3K4me3 over H3K4me2, H3K4me1, and H3K4me0.
MORC3 is also known as NXP2, ZCW5, ZCWCC3.
Associated Diseases
- calcinosis
- hemoglobin E-beta-thalassemia syndrome
- hemoglobin D disease
- alpha-thalassemia-myelodysplastic syndrome
- familial primary pulmonary hypoplasia
- X-linked severe congenital neutropenia
- cancer
- primary familial polycythemia due to EPO receptor mutation
- hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin-sickle cell disease syndrome
