Gem Associated Protein 7 (GEMIN7)

GEMIN7 is a component of the core SMN complex, which is required for pre-mRNA splicing in the nucleus. The encoded protein is found in the nucleoplasm, in nuclear "gems" (Gemini of Cajal bodies), and in the cytoplasm. Three transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene.

GEMIN7 is a component of the SMN complex and colocalizes with SMN in the cytoplasm and in gems. Binding experiments showed that GEMIN7 interacts directly with SMN and GEMIN6 and mediates the association of GEMIN6 with the SMN complex. The RG repeats were necessary for its interaction with SMN. GEMIN7 also interacted with several Sm proteins of snRNPs, particularly with SmE (SNRPE).