The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (
PPIase) family. PPIases catalyze the
cis-trans isomerization of
proline imidic peptide bonds in
oligopeptides and accelerate the
folding of proteins. The PPIase family is further divided into three structurally distinct subfamilies:
cyclophilin (CyP), FK506-binding protein (
FKBP), and
parvulin (Pvn). As a cyclophilin, PPID binds
cyclosporin A (CsA) and can be found within the cell or secreted by the cell. In eukaryotes, cyclophilins localize ubiquitously to many cell and tissue types. In addition to PPIase and protein chaperone activities, cyclophilins also function in mitochondrial metabolism, apoptosis, immunological response, inflammation, and cell growth and proliferation. PPID in particular helps chaperone the assembly of heat shock protein
Hsp90, as well as the nuclear localization of glucocorticoid, estrogen and progesterone receptors. Along with PPIF, PPID regulates mitochondrial apoptosis. In response to elevated
reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ion levels, PPID interacts with
Bax to promote mitochondrial pore formation, thus releasing pro-apoptotic factors such as
cytochrome C and
AIF. ==Clinical Significance==