PARD3/Par3 Proteins and Enzymes

PARD3 is an adaptor protein involved in asymmetrical cell division and cell polarization processes. PARD3 seems to play a central role in the formation of epithelial tight junctions. PARD3 may affect the quality of hair pigmentation, and act as a pharmacological antagonist of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (2-3). PARD3 may also play a role in neuroendocrine aspects of melanocortin action, and have a functional role in regulating lipid metabolism in adipocytes (4-5). Recent studies have suggested PARD3 (Par-3) is essential in the formation of myelin sheaths on neuronal axons.