Translin Associated Factor X (TSNAX)

TSNAX encodes a protein which specifically interacts with translin, a DNA-binding protein that binds consensus sequences at breakpoint junctions of chromosomal translocations. The encoded protein contains bipartite nuclear targeting sequences that may provide nuclear transport for translin, which lacks any nuclear targeting motifs.

The protein contains a heptad repeat of hydrophobic amino acids consistent with the hypothetical leucine zipper structure. The authors found 28% amino acid sequence identity between TSNAX and TSN, with 38% identity in the C-terminal regions. Northern blot analysis revealed a single TSNAX transcript of 2.7 kb, with a tissue distribution similar to that of the TSN transcript.