OXT Gene Summary [Human]

This gene encodes a precursor protein that is processed to produce oxytocin and neurophysin I. Oxytocin is a posterior pituitary hormone which is synthesized as an inactive precursor in the hypothalamus along with its carrier protein neurophysin I. Together with neurophysin, it is packaged into neurosecretory vesicles and transported axonally to the nerve endings in the neurohypophysis, where it is either stored or secreted into the bloodstream. The precursor seems to be activated while it is being transported along the axon to the posterior pituitary. This hormone contracts smooth muscle during parturition and lactation. It is also involved in cognition, tolerance, adaptation and complex sexual and maternal behaviour, as well as in the regulation of water excretion and cardiovascular functions. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2013]

Details

Type
Protein Coding
Official Symbol
OXT
Official Name
oxytocin/neurophysin I prepropeptide [Source:HGNC Symbol;Acc:HGNC:8528]
Ensembl ID
ENSG00000101405
Bio databases IDs NCBI: 5020 Ensembl: ENSG00000101405
Aliases oxytocin/neurophysin I prepropeptide, oxytocin, neurophysin I
Synonyms OP, OT, OT-NPI, OXT-NPI, Oxy, Oxytocin, Oxytocin-neurophysin i, oxytocin/neurophysin I prepropeptide, Prepro-oxytocin
Species
Human, Homo sapiens
OrthologiesMouseRat

Protein Domains

A protein domain is a distinct structural or functional region within a protein that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. These domains in human OXT often fold into stable, three-dimensional structures and are associated with specific biological functions, such as binding to DNA, other proteins, or small molecules.
  • Neurohypophysial hormones, C-terminal Domain
  • G-protein-coupled receptor binding
  • protein binding
  • neuropeptide hormone

Pathways

Biological processes and signaling networks where the OXT gene in human plays a role, providing insight into its function and relevance in health or disease.

Top Findings

The most significant associations for this gene, including commonly observed domains, pathway involvement, and functional highlights based on current data.
disease
  • schizophrenia
  • polycystic ovary syndrome
  • anxiety disorder
  • social anxiety disorder
  • pain
  • postoperative pain
  • alcoholism
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • cocaine dependence
  • schizoaffective disorder
regulated by
  • SLC6A4
  • estradiol benzoate
  • progesterone
  • adenosine triphosphate
  • histamine
  • nitric oxide
  • lithium
  • N-methyl-D-aspartate
  • HTT
  • beta-estradiol
regulates
role in cell
  • expression in
  • cell death
  • inhibition
  • growth
  • binding
  • accumulation in
  • phosphorylation in
  • production in
  • activation
  • binding in

Subcellular Expression

Locations within the cell where the protein is known or predicted to be active, providing insight into its function and cellular context.
  • Extracellular Space
  • membrane fraction
  • Cytoplasm
  • vesicles
  • granules
  • secretory granules
  • perikaryon
  • axon terminals
  • plasma

Gene Ontology Annotations

Describes the biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions associated with the human OXT gene, providing context for its role in the cell.

Biological Process

Functions and activities the gene product is involved in
  • drinking behavior
  • response to food
  • sperm ejaculation
  • positive regulation of female receptivity
  • response to prostaglandin E stimulus
  • response to progesterone stimulus
  • response to cAMP
  • positive regulation of penile erection
  • memory
  • maternal behavior
  • eating behavior
  • positive regulation of prostaglandin secretion
  • heart development
  • response to retinoic acid
  • grooming behavior
  • response to ether
  • response to glucocorticoid stimulus
  • negative regulation of urine volume
  • positive regulation of synapse assembly
  • response to electrical stimulus
  • social behavior
  • male mating behavior
  • signal transduction
  • positive regulation of synaptic transmission
  • positive regulation of hindgut contraction
  • response to cocaine
  • negative regulation of blood pressure
  • female pregnancy
  • response to peptide hormone stimulus
  • positive regulation of blood pressure
  • response to sucrose stimulus
  • elevation of cytosolic calcium ion concentration
  • positive regulation of ossification
  • maternal aggressive behavior
  • regulation of heart rate
  • response to amphetamine
  • positive regulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction
  • response to estradiol stimulus
  • positive regulation of norepinephrine secretion
  • response to activity

Cellular Component

Where in the cell the gene product is active
  • extracellular space
  • terminal button
  • secretory granule
  • extracellular region

Molecular Function

What the gene product does at the molecular level
  • oxytocin receptor binding
  • protein binding
  • neurohypophyseal hormone activity
  • neuropeptide hormone activity
  • V1A vasopressin receptor binding

Gene-Specific Assays for Results You Can Trust

Streamline your workflow with assays designed for this gene. Our targeted dPCR and qPCR assays help you generate meaningful data – efficiently and accurately.