Gem Associated Protein 6 (GEMIN6)

GEMIN6 is part of a large macromolecular complex, localized to both the cytoplasm and the nucleus, that plays a role in the cytoplasmic assembly of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). Other members of this complex include SMN , GEMIN2 (SIP1), GEMIN3 (DDX20), GEMIN4, and GEMIN5.

The deduced 167-amino acid protein has a predicted molecular mass of 18 kD and shares 86% sequence identity with the mouse homolog. GEMIN6 migrates as a 16-kD protein by Western blot analysis of affinity purified SMN macromolecular complexes. Immunofluorescence microscopy of HeLa cells showed GEMIN6 staining in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus with a high concentration in gems.