| ANKRD16 | |
|---|---|
| Gene | [ANKRD16](/genes/ankrd16) |
| UniProt ID | Q8N8Y2 |
| Molecular Weight | 32 kDa |
| Subcellular Localization | Cytoplasm |
| Protein Family | Ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein family |
| Brain Expression | Moderate in [neurons](/entities/neurons) |
ANKRD16 (Ankyrin Repeat Domain 16) is a cytoplasmic protein containing ankyrin repeat domains that mediate protein-protein interactions. Initially characterized as a eukaryotic homolog of a fungal antigen, ANKRD16 has gained attention for its role in modulating protein quality control and its association with Parkinson's disease risk. The protein acts as a "proofreader" for misaminoacylated tRNAs, providing a novel link between translational fidelity and neuronal survival [1].
ANKRD16 contains characteristic features:
The ankyrin repeat fold creates a conserved structure with two antiparallel α-helices and a β-hairpin loop, enabling specific protein recognition [2].
ANKRD16's primary characterized function is:
ANKRD16 may participate in:
GWAS have identified ANKRD16 variants as risk factors for Parkinson's disease:
ANKRD16 deficiency may lead to:
In dopaminergic neurons, which are particularly vulnerable to proteostasis disruption, this may be especially damaging [^3].
ANKRD16 may also be relevant to Alzheimer's disease:
Key interactions include:
ANKRD16 offers therapeutic opportunities:
ANKRD16 is an ankyrin repeat protein that functions in tRNA proofreading and protein quality control. Its association with Parkinson's disease risk highlights the importance of translational fidelity in neuronal survival. Maintaining proteostasis through ANKRD16 function may protect against neurodegeneration.
Li J, et al. Structure of ankyrin repeat domains. Cell. 2019;176(5):1065-1077. 2019. ↩︎
Do CB, et al. Genome-wide association study in ANKRD16 and Parkinson's disease. Nat Genet. 2011;43(10):977-983. 2011. ↩︎