This gene encodes a member of the cupin superfamily. The encoded protein is an Fe(II)-containing nuclear protein expressed in all tissues of the body and concentrated within dot-like subnuclear structures. Interactions with nuclear factor I/CCAAT box transcription factor as well as B cell lymphoma 3-encoded oncoprotein suggest the encoded protein may act as a transcriptional cofactor and be involved in the regulation of DNA transcription and replication. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described.[6]
The pir gene is conserved in both bacteria and eukaryotes. In Pseudomonas stutzeri this protein exhibited quercetinase activity.[8] In Streptomyces ambofaciens, a strain known to produce the antibiotic spiramycin, the pirA gene regulates the AcdB enzyme that catalyzes one of the first steps of beta-oxidation.[9] Loss of the pirA gene causes a metabolic imbalance that reduces the amount of antibiotic produced.[9]
Zeng Q, Li X, Bartlam M, et al. (2004). "Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of human pirin". Acta Crystallogr. D. 59 (Pt 8): 1496–8. doi:10.1107/S0907444903012289. PMID12876364.
