Glioblastoma Expressed Ring Finger Protein (GERP)

GERP is a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family. The TRIM motif includes three zinc-binding domains, a RING, a B-box type 1 and a B-box type 2, and a coiled-coil region. This protein localizes to nuclear bodies. Its structure is similar to some tumor suppressor proteins and its gene maps to a locus thought to contain tumor suppressor genes. GERP encoding a deduced 551-amino acid protein with an N-terminal RING finger motif, 2 B-boxes, a coiled-coil domain, and a proline-rich C terminus. The RNF27 protein shares 97% sequence identity with the mouse homolog. Northern blot analysis revealed a 5-kb transcript in kidney as well as in brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and lung. Lower levels of expression were detected in placenta, liver, leukocytes, and intestine.