Sequestosome 1
Sequestosome-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the "SQSTM1" gene. Also known as the ubiquitin-binding protein p62, it is an autophagosome cargo protein that targets other proteins that bind to it for selective autophagy. By interacting with GATA4 and targeting it for degradation, it can inhibit GATA-4 associated senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Model organisms. Model organisms have been used in the study of SQSTM1 function. A conditional knockout mouse line, called "Sqstm1" was generated as part of the International Knockout Mouse Consortium program — a high-throughput mutagenesis project to generate and distribute  animal models of disease to interested scientists. Male and female animals underwent a standardized phenotypic screen to determine the effects of deletion. Twenty two tests were carried out on homozygous mutant mice and one significant abnormality was observed: females had abnormal complete blood count parameters, including an increased red blood cell distribution width and increased mean platelet volume. Interactions. Sequestosome 1 has been shown to interact with: