The LZIC gene spans at least 8 exons and produces multiple mRNA transcripts (5.2 kb, 2.1 kb, 1.6 kb, and 1.0 kb) . The protein comprises 190 amino acids (21.3 kDa) and contains two critical domains:
Leucine zipper domain: Facilitates protein-protein interactions.
ICAT homologous domain: Shares 38% amino acid identity with ICAT, a β-catenin/TCF signaling inhibitor .
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Gene location | Chromosome 1p36.32-pter |
| Protein weight | 21.3 kDa |
| Domains | Leucine zipper, ICAT homologous domain |
| Subcellular localization | Nucleus and cytoplasm |
LZIC regulates the G2/M checkpoint following ionizing radiation (IR). CRISPR-derived LZIC knockout (KO) cells exhibit:
Premature mitotic entry due to dysregulated cyclin B1 expression and phosphorylation .
Genomic instability, including spontaneous chromosome loss .
Altered transcription of genes linked to MYC signaling and G2/M checkpoint pathways .
The ICAT homologous domain suggests LZIC may inhibit β-catenin/TCF interactions, akin to ICAT . This potential role is significant in cancers with hyperactive Wnt signaling.
Gastric Cancer: LZIC is upregulated in gastric cancer cell lines (e.g., MKN74) and primary tumors, possibly as a feedback mechanism to suppress oncogenic Wnt signaling .
Biomarker Potential: Higher LZIC expression correlates with improved survival in multiple cancers, suggesting utility in patient stratification .
Genomic Instability: LZIC deficiency increases sensitivity to IR and chromosomal aberrations, linking it to tumorigenesis .
Recombinant LZIC proteins (e.g., ab177652, PROTQ8WZA0) are used in studies involving:
| Product | Source | Purity | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| ab177652 (Abcam) | E. coli | >95% | Protein interaction studies |
| PROTQ8WZA0 (Boster Bio) | HEK293T cells | >80% | Antibody validation |
LZIC is implicated in:
1p36 Deletion Syndrome: Located in a genomic region linked to developmental disorders .
Immunodeficiency and Neuropathy: Potential roles via genomic proximity or regulatory pathways .
Key findings from functional studies include:
MGSSHHHHHH SSGLVPRGSH MGSMASRGKT ETSKLKQNLE EQLDRLMQQL QDLEECREEL DTDEYEETKK ETLEQLSEFN DSLKKIMSGN MTLVDELSGM QLAIQAAISQ AFKTPEVIRL FAKKQPGQLR TRLAEMDRDL MVGKLERDLY TQQKVEILTA LRKLGEKLTA DDEAFLSANA GAILSQFEKV STDLGSGDKI LALASFEVEK TKK.
LZIC demonstrates a nearly ubiquitous expression pattern across normal human tissues. Molecular characterization has identified multiple LZIC mRNA transcripts, with a major 5.2-kb form and minor 2.1-kb, 1.6-kb, and 1.0-kb variants . Analysis of expression databases reveals tissue-specific regulation patterns, suggesting context-dependent functions.
To investigate LZIC expression in various tissues, researchers should employ:
RNA-seq analysis of tissue panels
Quantitative PCR with transcript-specific primers
Western blot analysis with validated antibodies
Immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays
Experimental approaches to investigate this function include:
Co-immunoprecipitation assays to detect LZIC-β-catenin interactions
TCF reporter assays in cells with LZIC overexpression or knockdown
ChIP-seq to identify genomic regions where LZIC may modulate TCF binding
Structural studies to characterize the LZIC-β-catenin binding interface
Researchers have observed that up-regulation of LZIC in gastric cancer might represent a negative feedback mechanism to inhibit the WNT-β-catenin-TCF signaling pathway , suggesting complex regulatory dynamics.
LZIC knockout (KO) cells show significant dysregulation of transcriptional responses following ionizing radiation (IR). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that LZIC KO causes alteration of MYC signaling and G2/M checkpoint pathways following IR treatment .
Differential expression analysis between LZIC KO cells and control cells identified:
62 uniquely differentially regulated genes under untreated conditions
24 uniquely differentially regulated genes in response to IR
Alterations in genes involved in neuronal development (FOXQ1, Peripherin)
Changes in cell division regulators (PLK2)
Dysregulation of critical G2/M checkpoint regulators (SFN, CCBN1)
To investigate LZIC's transcriptional regulatory function, researchers should employ:
RNA-seq analysis comparing wild-type and LZIC-deficient cells
ChIP-seq for histone modifications and transcription factors
ATAC-seq to identify changes in chromatin accessibility
Targeted validation of key regulatory genes by qPCR and protein analysis
LZIC has been identified as a component of the cellular response to ionizing radiation with specific functions in cell cycle checkpoint regulation. LZIC-deficient cells fail to efficiently maintain the G2/M checkpoint, leading to genomic instability .
Researchers investigating LZIC's role in cell cycle regulation should implement:
Flow cytometry analysis of cell cycle distribution following damage induction
Time-lapse microscopy to track mitotic progression
Western blot analysis of checkpoint proteins (including phosphorylated forms)
Immunofluorescence for mitotic markers combined with DNA damage markers
Checkpoint recovery assays with protein phosphatase inhibitors
The experimental data indicates that LZIC knockout cells exhibit early release from the G2/M checkpoint with partial recovery of this phenotype following treatment with protein phosphatase inhibitors, suggesting a potential mechanism involving phosphatase regulation .
Quantification of chromosome numbers in LZIC knockout cell lines has demonstrated an increased aneuploid state . This genomic instability correlates with the dysregulation of the G2/M checkpoint observed in these cells.
To investigate the mechanisms of chromosomal instability in LZIC-deficient cells, researchers should employ:
Metaphase spread analysis for chromosome counting
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect specific chromosomal abnormalities
Analysis of mitotic spindle formation and chromosome segregation
Live-cell imaging to detect mitotic errors
Evaluation of DNA damage repair efficiency
LZIC deficiency appears to compromise genomic integrity through multiple mechanisms, potentially connecting WNT signaling components to chromosomal stability pathways .
The table below summarizes LZIC expression patterns and their clinical significance in different cancer types:
Methodological approaches to investigate LZIC in cancer should include:
Analysis of cancer genomics databases (TCGA, ICGC)
Tissue microarray analysis of patient samples
Correlation of expression with clinical outcomes
Functional studies in cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenografts
LZIC has been specifically implicated in the cellular response to ionizing radiation (IR), with evidence suggesting it could serve as a biomarker for patient stratification in radiation therapy. Analysis of patient databases identified a positive correlation between LZIC expression and average patient survival time in several cancers .
The mechanism underlying this correlation appears related to LZIC's role in maintaining proper G2/M checkpoint function following radiation exposure. LZIC-deficient cells show dysregulated transcription after IR treatment and fail to efficiently maintain the G2/M checkpoint, generating severe genomic instability .
To validate and implement LZIC as a radiation response biomarker, researchers should:
Perform retrospective analysis of LZIC expression in patient cohorts with known radiation response outcomes
Develop standardized IHC or RT-PCR assays for clinical LZIC quantification
Conduct prospective clinical trials correlating LZIC levels with radiation therapy efficacy
Investigate combined biomarker panels including LZIC and other radiation response indicators
CRISPR/Cas9 technology has proven valuable for investigating LZIC function through generation of knockout cell lines . Researchers have employed this approach to elucidate LZIC's role in transcriptional regulation and cell cycle control.
For optimal LZIC functional studies using CRISPR, researchers should consider:
Design of multiple gRNAs targeting different exons to ensure complete loss of function
Generation of both homozygous and heterozygous knockout lines to identify dose-dependent effects
Creation of epitope-tagged LZIC knock-in lines for protein interaction studies
Development of inducible CRISPR systems for temporal control of LZIC deletion
Rescue experiments with wild-type and mutant LZIC to confirm specificity
Validation of LZIC knockout should include both genomic (PCR, sequencing) and protein-level (Western blot, mass spectrometry) confirmation to ensure complete loss of function .
Interactome analysis of LZIC has highlighted enrichment for spliceosome components , suggesting potential roles in RNA processing. Comprehensive proteomics approaches can further elucidate LZIC's functional network.
Recommended proteomics strategies include:
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry (IP-MS)
BioID or APEX proximity labeling to identify transient interactions
Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to capture structural information
Comparative proteomics in LZIC-deficient vs. wild-type cells
Phosphoproteomics to identify LZIC-dependent signaling events
Integration of proteomics data with transcriptomics and functional assays will provide a comprehensive understanding of LZIC's role in cellular signaling networks and radiation response pathways.
The LZIC gene is located on chromosome 1p36.22 and encodes a protein consisting of 190 amino acids . The protein contains two primary domains:
The LZIC protein is predicted to enable beta-catenin binding activity, which is crucial for various signaling pathways, including the Wnt signaling pathway . This pathway plays a vital role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Additionally, LZIC is involved in the cellular response to ionizing radiation, suggesting its potential role in DNA damage repair mechanisms .
Mutations or dysregulation of the LZIC gene have been associated with certain diseases, including Corneal Dystrophy, Thiel-Behnke Type . Understanding the function and regulation of LZIC can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions and potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies.
The human recombinant LZIC protein is produced using HEK293T cells, a widely used human cell line for protein expression . The recombinant protein is captured through an anti-DDK affinity column followed by conventional chromatography steps to ensure high purity and stability . The protein is available in various quantities and is used in research to study its function and interactions.