SEC22

Sec22 is a gene that encodes a protein belonging to the SEC22 family of proteins. This family is characterized by a coiled-coil domain and a transmembrane domain. The Sec22 protein is a component of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) and plays a critical role in vesicular transport between the ER and the Golgi apparatus. It is a type II transmembrane protein, meaning its N-terminus is located in the cytoplasm and its C-terminus is within the ER lumen.

Sec22 is a V-SNARE (vesicle-associated membrane protein), which means it is involved in mediating the fusion of transport vesicles with their target membranes. Specifically, Sec22 interacts with target membrane SNAREs (t-SNAREs) like Syntaxin 18 and Ykt6 to facilitate the fusion process. This interaction is essential for the proper trafficking of proteins and lipids from the ER to other cellular compartments. Dysfunctional Sec22 has been implicated in various cellular processes and diseases, highlighting its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and protein secretion pathways. Research into Sec22 continues to shed light on the intricate mechanisms of membrane trafficking within eukaryotic cells.