RNA Binding Motif Protein 26 (RBM26)

Rbm26 encodes the murine homolog of human Se70-2, a putative nucleic acid binding protein. A paralog of mSe70-2 also exists, Psc1, which is a putative SR family splicing factor. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that mSe70-2 is conserved in eukaryotes, with gene duplication in vertebrate lineages. Characterization of mSe70-2 via antibody production and expression of the protein was pursued, but met with challenges. The possibility that mSe70-2 is regulated at the translational level is suggested. Knockdown of its C. elegans homolog indicates a possible role in positive regulation of the cell cycle, while the ability to bind RNA is shown using in vitro produced mSe70-2.The genomic structure of Rbm26 and a number of transcripts from the gene are identified.