Piccolo presynaptic cytomatrix protein (PCLO)

Piccolo presynaptic cytomatrix protein (PCLO) is a large, multi-domain scaffold protein highly concentrated at the presynaptic active zone of chemical synapses, where it plays a critical role in regulating the organization and function of synaptic vesicle trafficking, exocytosis, and synapse assembly[1][2][3][4]. PCLO is essential for synaptic structure and maintenance, and is highly expressed in the brain, neuromuscular junction, endocrine tissues, and various non-neural sites; it is implicated in processes as diverse as actin cytoskeleton dynamics, neurotransmitter and hormone secretion, and possibly gene expression regulation[2][3][1]. Mutations in PCLO are causative for pontocerebellar hypoplasia type III, and genetic variants are associated with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and certain lymphomas[1][2][3]. There are currently no known therapeutic drugs directly targeting PCLO.

Other names

Protein piccoloAczoninKIAA0559DKFZp779G1236PCH3aczonin