Calpain 12 (CAPN12)

Calpains are a family of cytosolic calcium-activated cysteine proteases involved in a variety of cellular processes including apoptosis, cell division, modulation of integrin-cytoskeletal interactions, and synaptic plasticity . CAPN12 belongs to the calpain large subunit family.Full-length Capn12 encodes a deduced 720-amino acid protein containing 4 domains typical of calpains and the 3 conserved residues essential for catalysis. It also contains all 5 Ca(2+)-binding sequences reported for CAPN2. RT-PCR analysis and in situ hybridization of mouse embryos and various adult tissues detected Capn12 expression only in skin, with expression localized to the cortex of the hair follicle. RT-PCR analysis of mouse back skin showed that Capn12 RNA levels increased during the first half of the hair cycle but were absent from later stages.