YWHAZ/A0361

YWHAZ, also known as A0361, encodes the zeta isoform of a family of proteins termed 14-3-3 proteins.

YWHAZ, also known as A0361, encodes the zeta isoform of a family of proteins termed 14-3-3 proteins. The highly conserved 14-3-3 proteins are found in both plants and mammals and mediate signal transduction by functioning as adapter proteins. 14-3-3 proteins bind to a large number of partners, usually by recognition of a phosphoserine or phosphothreonine motif. The YWHAZ gene encodes a 245-amino acid protein that shares high sequence homology with other 14-3-3 protein subtypes. The protein is widely expressed in various gray matter brain regions, including the neocortex, hippocampus, caudate-putamen, thalamus, cerebellar cortex, and several brain stem nuclei. YWHAZ interacts with the MASC protein, catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the YWHAZ gene has been associated with schizophrenia.