Uniprot Function Description
Plays a central role during spermatogenesis by repressing transposable elements and preventing their mobilization, which is essential for the germline integrity (By similarity). Acts via the piRNA metabolic process, which mediates the repression of transposable elements during meiosis by forming complexes composed of piRNAs and Piwi proteins and governs the methylation and subsequent repression of transposons (By similarity). Directly binds piRNAs, a class of 24 to 30 nucleotide RNAs that are generated by a Dicer-independent mechanism and are primarily derived from transposons and other repeated sequence elements (By similarity). Associates with secondary piRNAs antisense and PIWIL2/MILI is required for such association (By similarity). The piRNA process acts upstream of known mediators of DNA methylation (By similarity). Does not show endonuclease activity (By similarity). Plays a key role in the piRNA amplification loop, also named ping-pong amplification cycle, by acting as a 'slicer-incompetent' component that loads cleaved piRNAs from the 'slicer-competent' component PIWIL2 and target them on genomic transposon loci in the nucleus (By similarity). May be involved in the chromatin-modifying pathway by inducing 'Lys-9' methylation of histone H3 at some loci (PubMed:17544373). In addition to its role in germline, PIWIL4 also plays a role in the regulation of somatic cells activities. Plays a role in pancreatic beta cell function and insulin secretion (By similarity). Involved in maintaining cell morphology and functional integrity of retinal epithelial through Akt/GSK3alpha/beta signaling pathway (PubMed:28025795). When overexpressed, acts as an oncogene by inhibition of apoptosis and promotion of cells proliferation in tumors (PubMed:22483988).
Sample type
Recommended sample types are human plasma and serum. For other sample types e.g cerebrospinal fluid, (CSF), tissue or cell lysate, please contact support@olink.com for more information. Please note that protein expression levels are expected to vary in different sample types and certain assays may be affected by interfering substances such as hemolysate.
Precision
Precision (repeatability) is calculated from linearized NPX values over LOD.
Analytical measuring range
The technical data reported below refers to the measured value in the in vitro validation assays run using known concentrations of recombinant antigen.
Dilution factor
For optimal assay readout, Olink assays are run using different dilutions of the original samples e.g. undiluted, 1:10, or higher. The dilution factor for this assay is noted below and should be taken into account when estimating the appropriate addressable biological concentration of the protein based on the in vitro validation data.
Biomarker Validation Data
Additional validation data, as well as a more detailed description of how the Olink panels are quality controlled can be found in our Data Validation documents – go to Document download center