MORC3

This gene encodes a protein that localizes to the nuclear matrix and forms nuclear bodies via an ATP-dependent mechanism. The protein is predicted to have coiled-coil and zinc finger domains and has RNA binding activity. Alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms.

Full Name

MORC FAMILY CW-TYPE ZINC FINGER 3

Function

Nuclear matrix protein which forms MORC3-NBs (nuclear bodies) via an ATP-dependent mechanism and plays a role in innate immunity by restricting different viruses through modulation of the IFN response (PubMed:27440897, PubMed:34759314).

Mechanistically, possesses a primary antiviral function through a MORC3-regulated element that activates IFNB1, and this function is guarded by a secondary IFN-repressing function (PubMed:34759314).

Sumoylated MORC3-NBs associates with PML-NBs and recruits TP53 and SP100, thus regulating TP53 activity (PubMed:17332504, PubMed:20501696).

Binds RNA in vitro (PubMed:11927593).

Histone methylation reader which binds to non-methylated (H3K4me0), monomethylated (H3K4me1), dimethylated (H3K4me2) and trimethylated (H3K4me3) 'Lys-4' on histone H3 (PubMed:26933034).

The order of binding preference is H3K4me3> H3K4me2> H3K4me1> H3K4me0 (PubMed:26933034).

(Microbial infection) May be required for influenza A transcription during viral infection (PubMed:26202233).

Biological Process

Cell aging Source: MGI
Maintenance of protein location in nucleus Source: MGI
Negative regulation of fibroblast proliferation Source: MGI
Peptidyl-serine phosphorylation Source: MGI
Post-embryonic development Source: Ensembl
Protein phosphorylation Source: MGI
Protein stabilization Source: MGI

Cellular Location

Nucleus
Nucleoplasm
Nucleus matrix
PML body
Other locations
Chromosome
Note: Also found in PML-independent nuclear bodies. Localization to nuclear bodies is ATP-dependent.

PTM

Sumoylation is involved in interaction with PML and localization to PML nuclear bodies.