BICD2 : BICD cargo adaptor 2
Description
The BICD2 (BICD cargo adaptor 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 9.
The BICD2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called a golgin, which helps maintain the structure of the Golgi apparatus, a cell component responsible for modifying newly produced proteins. The BICD2 protein is found in all cells and binds to the dynein complex, activating it and aiding its attachment to other cellular materials for transport. BICD2 stabilizes the dynein complex along microtubules, facilitating protein transport, positioning cell compartments, and moving structures within the cell. In nerve cells, BICD2 helps the dynein complex transport synaptic vesicles, which contain chemical messengers that enable communication between cells.
BICD2 acts as an adapter protein, connecting the dynein motor complex to various cargos. It converts dynein from a non-processive to a highly processive motor in the presence of dynactin, enhancing dynein's ability to move long distances along microtubules without detaching. BICD2 also facilitates and stabilizes the interaction between dynein and dynactin, further boosting dynein's processivity. Additionally, BICD2 helps RAB6A bind to the Golgi apparatus by stabilizing its GTP-bound form. This interaction regulates the movement of materials between the Golgi and the endoplasmic reticulum, independent of the COPI protein complex. BICD2 also plays a role in positioning the nucleus and centrosomes before cell division. During the G2 phase of the cell cycle, BICD2 associates with RANBP2 at nuclear pores and recruits dynein and dynactin to the nuclear envelope. This ensures proper positioning of the nucleus relative to the centrosomes before mitosis begins.
BICD2 is also known as SMALED2, SMALED2A, SMALED2B, bA526D8.1.
Associated Diseases
- Spinal muscular atrophy, lower extremity-predominant, 2B, autosomal dominant
- Spinal muscular atrophy, lower extremity-predominant, 2, autosomaldominant
- BICD2-related autosomal dominant childhood-onset proximal spinal muscular atrophy
- Spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance
