NDEL1
Description
The NDEL1 (nudE neurodevelopment protein 1 like 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
Nuclear distribution protein nudE-like 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NDEL1 gene. It plays a significant role in intracellular transport and the process of cellular division via regulation of the dynein motor protein and its cofactor protein, Lis1. Ndel1 is a highly conserved protein and its human gene, NDEL1 is expressed in a wide variety of brain tissues which contributes to neuronal function and development. Nde1 and Ndel1 were in the past referred to as NudE and NudEL respectively. The Nde1 protein is involved in nuclear migration throughout the process of neurogenesis. Studies have revealed that Ndel1 is structurally similar to Nde1 which both play a role in microtubule-based transport. Ndel1 and Nde1 are also thought to be associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Secondary structure of Ndel1 is composed of various distinct domains: a C-terminal region, and a 200 amino acid N-terminal coiled-coil domain. The coiled-coil domain of Ndel1 serves as a self-associating stable parallel homodimer. Such structural components help with interactions between an array of binding partners, including the motor protein dynein and its cofactor protein, Lis1.
NDEL1 is essential for organizing the cellular microtubule network and anchoring microtubules at the centrosome. It may influence microtubule organization by directing the microtubule-severing protein KATNA1 to the centrosome. Additionally, NDEL1 positively regulates the activity of the minus-end directed microtubule motor protein dynein. It could enhance dynein-mediated microtubule sliding by guiding dynein to the microtubule plus ends. NDEL1 is crucial for several dynein- and microtubule-dependent processes, including maintaining Golgi integrity, the centripetal movement of secretory vesicles, and the coupling of the nucleus and centrosome. Moreover, NDEL1 is required during brain development for the migration of newly generated neurons from the ventricular/subventricular zone to the cortical plate. Alongside DISC1, NDEL1 contributes to the regulation of neurite outgrowth. While NDEL1 is essential for mitosis in some cell types, it appears dispensable for mitosis in cortical neuronal progenitors, where NDE1 plays a crucial role instead. NDEL1 facilitates the polymerization of neurofilaments from the individual subunits NEFH and NEFL. It also positively regulates lysosome peripheral distribution and ruffled border formation in osteoclasts.
NDEL1 is also known as EOPA, MITAP1, NDE1L1, NDE2, NUDEL.
