FBXL7
Description
The FBXL7 (F-box and leucine rich repeat protein 7) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 5.
The FBXL7 gene codes for a protein that belongs to the F-box protein family. These proteins are characterized by a specific domain known as the F-box, which is involved in protein degradation. FBXL7 is classified as an Fbl protein, containing leucine-rich repeats alongside the F-box. The F-box proteins are essential components of the SCF (SKP1-cullin-F-box) ubiquitin protein ligase complex. This complex is responsible for attaching ubiquitin to proteins, targeting them for degradation by the proteasome. The SCF complex requires phosphorylation of its target proteins, ensuring specificity in protein degradation.
FBXL7 acts as a substrate recognition component within a specific E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex known as SCF (SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein). During cell division (mitosis), FBXL7 triggers the breakdown of AURKA, a protein essential for mitotic progression, leading to cell cycle arrest. Additionally, FBXL7 plays a role in regulating mitochondrial function by promoting the degradation of BIRC5, an inhibitor of programmed cell death (apoptosis). This regulation involves the tagging of BIRC5 with ubiquitin, ultimately marking it for destruction by the cell's protein degradation machinery.
FBXL7 is also known as FBL6, FBL7.
