Anti-BSCL2

This gene encodes the multi-pass transmembrane protein protein seipin. This protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and may be important for lipid droplet morphology. Mutations in this gene have been associated with congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 2 or Berardinelli-Seip syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by a near absence of adipose tissue and severe insulin resistance. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. Naturally occurring read-through transcription occurs between this locus and the neighboring locus HNRNPUL2 (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U-like 2). Protein function: Plays a crucial role in the formation of lipid droplets (LDs) which are storage organelles at the center of lipid and energy homeostasis (PubMed:19278620, PubMed:21533227, PubMed:31708432, PubMed:30293840). In association with LDAF1, defines the sites of LD formation in the ER (PubMed:31708432). Also required for growth and maturation of small nascent LDs into larger mature LDs (PubMed:27564575). Mediates the formation and/or stabilization of endoplasmic reticulum-lipid droplets (ER-LD) contacts, facilitating protein and lipid delivery from the ER into growing LDs (PubMed:31178403, PubMed:27879284). Regulates the maturation of ZFYVE1- positive nascent LDs and the function of the RAB18-ZFYVE1 complex in mediating the formation of ER-LD contacts (PubMed:30970241). Binds anionic phospholipids including phosphatidic acid (PubMed:30293840). Plays an important role in the differentiation and development of adipocytes. [The UniProt Consortium]