The encoded protein is a member of the J protein family. These proteins function in many cellular processes by regulating the
ATPase activity of 70 kDa
heat shock proteins (
Hsp70). DNAJC5 is a
guanine nucleotide exchange factor for
Gα proteins. CSPα plays a role in membrane
trafficking and
protein folding, and has been shown to have anti-
neurodegenerative properties. It is known to play a role in
cystic fibrosis and
Huntington's disease.
Syntaxin 1A, a plasma membrane
SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) critical for neurotransmission, forms a complex with CSPα, a
G protein and an
N-type calcium channel.
Huntingtin may be able displace both syntaxin 1A and CSPα from N-type channels. CSP interacts with the calcium sensor protein
synaptotagmin 9 via its linker domain.
Huntingtin-interacting protein 14, a
palmitoyl transferase, is required for exocytosis and targeting of CSP to synaptic vesicles. The palmitoyl residues are transferred to the cysteine residues. If these resides are mutated membrane targeting is reduced or lost. The rat CSP forms a complex with Sgt (
SGTA) and Hsc70 (
HSPA8) located on the
synaptic vesicle surface. This complex functions as an ATP-dependent
chaperone that reactivates denatured substrates. Furthermore, the Csp/Sgt/Hsc70 complex appears to be important for maintenance of normal
synapses. Its expression may be increased with the use of
lithium.
Quercetin promotes formation of stable CSPα-CSPα dimers. Cysteine-string protein increases the calcium sensitivity of neurotransmitter exocytosis. == Interactions ==