OTOR (Otoraplin)

OTOR, also called Otoraplin and MIAL, is a secreted cytokine and a member of the MIA/OTOR family. Members of this family which also includes MIA, MIA2, and TANGO share a Src homology-3 (SH3) -like domain. OTOR is predominantly expressed in the cochlea of the inner-ear and to a lesser extent in fetal brain and in some cartilage tissues. OTOR appears to be involved in early chondrogenesis of the otic capsule, which is required for normal inner ear development and auditory function. Recombinant human OTOR is a 12.7 kDa globular protein containing 112 amino acid residues.