BBS8 Antibody – Rabbit Polyclonal

This gene encodes a protein that has been directly linked to Bardet-Biedl syndrome. The primary features of this syndrome include retinal dystrophy, obesity, polydactyly, renal abnormalities and learning disabilities. Experimentation in non-human eukaryotes suggests that this gene is expressed in ciliated cells and that it is involved in the formation of cilia. A mutation in this gene has also been implicated in nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2014]

TTC8: The BBSome complex is required for ciliogenesis but is dispensable for centriolar satellite function. This ciliogenic function is mediated in part by the Rab8 GDP/GTP exchange factor, which localizes to the basal body and contacts the BBSome. Rab8(GTP) enters the primary cilium and promotes extension of the ciliary membrane. Firstly the BBSome associates with the ciliary membrane and binds to RAB3IP/Rabin8, the guanosyl exchange factor (GEF) for Rab8 and then the Rab8-GTP localizes to the cilium and promotes docking and fusion of carrier vesicles to the base of the ciliary membrane. Defects in TTC8 are the cause of retinitis pigmentosa type 51 (RP51). It is a retinal dystrophy belonging to the group of pigmentary retinopathies. Retinitis pigmentosa is characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination and primary loss of rod photoreceptor cells followed by secondary loss of cone photoreceptors. Patients typically have night vision blindness and loss of midperipheral visual field. As their condition progresses, they lose their far peripheral visual field and eventually central vision as well. Defects in TTC8 are the cause of Bardet-Biedl syndrome type 8 (BBS8). Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a genetically heterogeneous, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by usually severe pigmentary retinopathy, early onset obesity, polydactyly, hypogenitalism, renal malformation and mental retardation. Secondary features include diabetes mellitus, hypertension and congenital heart disease. A relatively high incidence of BBS is found in the mixed Arab populations of Kuwait and in Bedouin tribes throughout the Middle East, most likely due to the high rate of consaguinity in these populations and a founder effect. 5 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Cytoskeletal

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 14q31.3

Cellular Component: centrosome; cilium; cytosol

Molecular Function: protein binding

Biological Process: cilium biogenesis; establishment of anatomical structure orientation; protein transport; sensory processing

Disease: Bardet-biedl Syndrome 8; Retinitis Pigmentosa 51