Coilin

Coilin is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the COIL is_associated_with::gene.

Coilin protein is one of the main molecular components of Cajal bodies (CBs). Cajal bodies are nuclear suborganelles of varying number and composition that are involved in the is_associated_with::post-transcriptional modification of small nuclear and small nucleolar RNAs. In addition to its structural role, coilin acts as glue to connect the CB to the is_associated_with::nucleolus. The is_associated_with::N-terminus of the coilin protein directs its self-oligomerization while the is_associated_with::C-terminus influences the number of nuclear bodies assembled per cell. Differential is_associated_with::methylation and is_associated_with::phosphorylation of coilin likely influences its localization among nuclear bodies and the composition and assembly of Cajal bodies. This gene has is_associated_with::pseudogenes on chromosome 4 and chromosome 14.

To study CBs, coilin can be combined with GFP (is_associated_with::Green Fluorescent Protein) to form Coilin-GFP hybrid protein. The hybrid protein can then be used to locate CBs underneath a microscope, usually near the nucleolus of the cell. Other proteins that make up the CB include is_associated_with::snRNPs and nucleolar is_associated_with::snoRNPs.

Coilin got its name from the coiled shaped of the CB in which it is found. It was first identified using human autoimmune serum.

Interactions
Coilin has been shown to interact with:
 * is_associated_with::Ataxin 1,
 * is_associated_with::Nucleolar phosphoprotein p130,
 * is_associated_with::SMN1,  and
 * is_associated_with::SNRPB.