Inversin

Inversin is a protein encoded by the INVS gene. It plays a crucial role in left-right asymmetry determination during embryonic development. In vertebrates, inversin is primarily localized to the primary cilia of cells. These cilia are small, hair-like organelles that protrude from the cell surface and are involved in various signaling pathways.

The function of inversin is closely linked to the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway, a signaling cascade that regulates cell orientation and tissue organization. Inversin is thought to act as a key regulator or mediator within this pathway, influencing the directional movement of cilia and the subsequent establishment of left-right asymmetry. Defects in inversin function have been associated with various developmental abnormalities, including situs inversus, a condition where the major visceral organs are mirrored from their normal positions. It is also implicated in kidney development and the formation of other organs. Research into inversin continues to explore its precise molecular mechanisms and its involvement in other cellular processes beyond early development.