BLNK Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

This gene encodes a cytoplasmic linker or adaptor protein that plays a critical role in B cell development. This protein bridges B cell receptor-associated kinase activation with downstream signaling pathways, thereby affecting various biological functions. The phosphorylation of five tyrosine residues is necessary for this protein to nucleate distinct signaling effectors following B cell receptor activation. Mutations in this gene cause hypoglobulinemia and absent B cells, a disease in which the pro- to pre-B-cell transition is developmentally blocked. Deficiency in this protein has also been shown in some cases of pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, May 2012]

BLNK: an adaptor protein that bridges the B-cell receptor-associated kinases (BCR) with a multitude of signaling pathways, regulating biologic outcomes of B-cell function and development. Plays an important role in BCR-mediated PLCG1 activation and Ca(2 ) mobilization. Does not seem to be not required for pre-BCR-mediated activation of MAP kinase and phosphatidyl-inositol 3 (PI3) kinase signaling. Plays a critical role in orchestrating the pro-B cell to pre-B cell transition. Following BCR activation, phosphorylated on tyrosine residues by SYK and LYN. When phosphorylated, serves as a scaffold to assemble downstream targets of antigen activation, including PLCG1, VAV1, GRB2 and NCK1. Its phosphorylation is required for both Ca(2 ) and MAPK signaling pathways. Defects in BLNK are the cause of hypoglobulinemia and absent B-cells.It has tumor supressor activity that is lost in many cases of childhood pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Two alternatively spliced isoforms have been described; these are differentially involved in activation and apoptosis of B lymphocytes.

Protein type: Adaptor/scaffold

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 10q24.1

Cellular Component: cytoplasm; cytosol; plasma membrane

Molecular Function: protein binding; SH3/SH2 adaptor activity; transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase adaptor protein activity

Biological Process: humoral immune response; inflammatory response

Disease: Agammaglobulinemia 4, Autosomal Recessive