Anti-ABCA7

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. ABC proteins transport various molecules across extra- and intra-cellular membranes. ABC genes are divided into seven distinct subfamilies (ABC1, MDR/TAP, MRP, ALD, OABP, GCN20, White). This protein is a member of the ABC1 subfamily. Members of the ABC1 subfamily comprise the only major ABC subfamily found exclusively in multicellular eukaryotes. This full transporter has been detected predominantly in myelo-lymphatic tissues with the highest expression in peripheral leukocytes, thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. The function of this protein is not yet known, however, the expression pattern suggests a role in lipid homeostasis in cells of the immune system. Protein function: Catalyzes the translocation of specific phospholipids from the cytoplasmic to the extracellular/lumenal leaflet of membrane coupled to the hydrolysis of ATP (PubMed:24097981). Transports preferentially phosphatidylserine over phosphatidylcholine (PubMed:24097981). Plays a role in lipid homeostasis and macrophage- mediated phagocytosis (PubMed:14592415, PubMed:12917409, PubMed:12925201, PubMed:14570867). Binds APOA1 and may function in apolipoprotein-mediated phospholipid efflux from cells (PubMed:12917409, PubMed:14570867, PubMed:14592415). May also mediate cholesterol efflux (PubMed:14570867). May regulate cellular ceramide homeostasis during keratinocyte differentiation (PubMed:12925201). Involved in lipid raft organization and CD1D localization on thymocytes and antigen-presenting cells, which plays an important role in natural killer T-cell development and activation. Plays a role in phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages. Macrophage phagocytosis is stimulated by APOA1 or APOA2, probably by stabilization of ABCA7. Also involved in phagocytic clearance of amyloid-beta by microglia cells and macrophages. Further limits amyloid-beta production by playing a role in the regulation of amyloid-beta A4 precursor protein (APP) endocytosis and/or processing (PubMed:26260791). Amyloid-beta is the main component of amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer patients (PubMed:26260791). [The UniProt Consortium]