Background information
SZT2 (seizure threshold 2 homolog (mouse)), also known as SZT2A or SZT2B, is a 3,432 amino acid peroxisomal protein that plays a role in resistance to oxidative stress. Predominantly expressed in the parietal and frontal cortex, as well as in dorsal root ganglia of the brain, SZT2 is implicated in superoxide dismutase activity and the neuroprotection in peroxisomes. Existing as four alternatively spliced isoforms, SZT2 is thought to enhance epileptogenesis and is encoded by a gene that maps to human chromosome 1p34.2. Human chromosome 1 spans 260 million base pairs, contains over 3,000 genes, comprises nearly 8% of the human genome and houses a large number of disease-associated genes, including those that are involved in familial adenomatous polyposis, Stickler syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Gaucher disease, schizophrenia and Usher syndrome.
