Src Homology 3 domain of Melanoma Inhibitory Activity protein and similar proteins
MIA is a single domain protein that adopts a SH3 domain-like fold; it contains an additional antiparallel beta sheet and two disulfide bonds compared to classical SH3 domains. MIA is secreted from malignant melanoma cells and it plays an important role in melanoma development and invasion. MIA is expressed by chondrocytes in normal tissues and may be important in the cartilage cell phenotype. Unlike classical SH3 domains, MIA does not bind proline-rich ligands. MIA is a member of the recently identified family that also includes MIA-like (MIAL), MIA2, and MIA3 (also called TANGO); the biological functions of this family are not yet fully understood.