Enables NAD(P)H oxidase H2O2-forming activity; heme binding activity; and peroxidase activity. Involved in several processes, including cuticle development involved in collagen and cuticulin-based cuticle molting cycle; defense response to other organism; and post-embryonic body morphogenesis. Located in plasma membrane. Is expressed in hypodermis; intestine; and neurons. Used to study phenylketonuria. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in congenital hypothyroidism and thyroid dyshormonogenesis 6. Orthologous to several human genes including DUOX2 (dual oxidase 2).
WB Description
bli-3 encodes an NADPH oxidases of the dual oxidase (DUOX) variety that contains an N-terminal peroxidase domain, two central calmodulin-binding EF hands, and a C-terminal superoxide-generating NADPH-oxidase domain; BLI-3 is required for dityrosine cross-linking of collagen, and thus for cuticular integrity; BLI-3 is thought to use cytosolic NADPH to generate reactive oxygen, which then drives the peroxidase ectodomain to cross-link free tyrosine in collagen; BLI-3 is expressed exclusively in hypodermal cells at low levels, with peaks of expression corresponding to collagen/cuticle biosynthesis.