Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: ClIC1

Title: The enigma of the CLIC proteins: Ion channels, redox proteins, enzymes, scaffolding proteins?

Authors: Dene R Littler, Stephen J Harrop, Sophia C Goodchild, Juanita M Phang, Andrew V Mynott, Lele Jiang, Stella M Valenzuela, Michele Mazzanti, Louise J Brown, Samuel N Breit, Paul M G Curmi

Journal, date & volume: , 2010 Jan 19 , ,

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20085760

Abstract
Chloride intracellular channel proteins (CLICs) are distinct from most ion channels in that they have both soluble and integral membrane forms. CLICs are highly conserved in chordates, with six vertebrate paralogues. CLIC-like proteins are found in other metazoans. CLICs form channels in artificial bilayers in a process favoured by oxidising conditions and low pH. They are structurally plastic, with CLIC1 adopting two distinct soluble conformations. Phylogenetic and structural data indicate that CLICs are likely to have enzymatic function. The physiological role of CLICs appears to be maintenance of intracellular membranes, which is associated with tubulogenesis but may involve other substructures.