| | | Concise_description | pdi-3 encodes a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) required for normal cuticle collagen deposition and, subliminally, for maintenance of normal body shape; PDI-3 has both PDI and calcium-dependent transglutaminase activity in vitro, crosslinking proteins through a gamma-glutamyl epsilon-lysine dual residue; PDI-3 is homologous to the human PDI ERp60, as well as a homolog in the dog heartworm Dirofilaria immitis that is required for larval molting; the joint PDI/transglutaminase activity of PDI-3 is biochemically conserved in nematodes and mammals; pdi-3 is constitutively and broadly expressed, particularly in gut and hypodermis. |