G Protein Alpha Z (GNaZ)

Guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(z) subunit alpha is a member of a G protein subfamily that mediates signal transduction in pertussis toxin-insensitive systems. This encoded protein may play a role in maintaining the ionic balance of perilymphatic and endolymphatic cochlear fluids.

By in situ hybridization, Wilkie et al. (1992) demonstrated that the GNAZ gene is located in band 22q11. By the analysis of RFLVs in an interspecific backcross, they showed that the corresponding gene is located on mouse chromosome 10. Budarf et al. (1991) further narrowed the localization to 22q11.2 by fluorescence in situ hybridization on reverse banded metaphase chromosomes. They confirmed the localization by means of a regional mapping panel of somatic cell hybrids.