ABCA1
ABCA1 (ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1, also known as ABC1, TGD and HDLDT1) is a membrane ATP-binding cassette transporter that moves phospholipids across the membrane to apolipoproteins. It is central to the formation of nascent high density lipoproteins and to cellular lipid removal. Browse Assay Genie's current range of ABCA1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
ABCA1 catalyses the translocation of specific phospholipids from the cytoplasmic leaflet to the extracellular or lumenal leaflet of a membrane, coupled to ATP hydrolysis. In doing so it participates in phospholipid transfer to apolipoproteins to form nascent high density lipoproteins (HDL). It transports phosphatidylcholine in preference to phosphatidylserine. It may play a similar role in the efflux of intracellular cholesterol to apolipoproteins. Structurally, it takes phospholipids from the outer face of the plasma membrane and forces them through a gateway and annulus into an elongated hydrophobic tunnel in its extracellular domain.
The ABCA1 gene encodes a membrane-associated protein of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily. ABC proteins transport various molecules across extracellular and intracellular membranes, and the genes are divided into seven subfamilies. ABCA1 belongs to the ABC1 subfamily, the only major ABC subfamily found exclusively in multicellular eukaryotes, and to the ABCA family. UniProt records the protein at the cell membrane and in endosomes. A mouse ortholog, Abca1, is recognised.
With cholesterol as its substrate, ABCA1 functions as a cholesterol efflux pump in the cellular lipid removal pathway. Mutations in both alleles of the gene cause Tangier disease and familial HDL deficiency, which makes the protein a key subject in lipoprotein biology. Earlier literature uses the name ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A (ABC1), member 1, and the symbols ABC1 and TGD. Researchers studying the ABCA1 protein often work alongside other ABCA family transporters such as ABCA4 and ABCA7.
ABCA1 transfers phospholipids to apolipoproteins to form nascent high density lipoproteins, making it a focal point for studying HDL assembly.
Acting as a cholesterol efflux pump in the cellular lipid removal pathway, ABCA1 is studied in cellular cholesterol handling.
Mutations in both alleles of ABCA1 cause Tangier disease and familial HDL deficiency, linking the gene to inherited lipoprotein disorders.
ABCA1 translocates phospholipids across the membrane using ATP, favouring phosphatidylcholine over phosphatidylserine, which suits studies of lipid asymmetry and transporter mechanism.
ABCA1 uses ATP hydrolysis to translocate specific phospholipids, preferentially phosphatidylcholine, across the membrane to the extracellular or lumenal leaflet. This supplies lipid to apolipoproteins and forms nascent HDL. It also functions as a cholesterol efflux pump in the cellular lipid removal pathway.
HGNC names the gene ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1. Aliases and earlier symbols include ABC1, TGD and HDLDT1, and an earlier name was ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A (ABC1), member 1. UniProt lists the protein as phospholipid-transporting ATPase ABCA1.
Mouse has an ortholog, Abca1. In humans, mutations in both alleles of ABCA1 cause Tangier disease and familial high-density lipoprotein deficiency. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other ABCA subfamily transporters with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O95477; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.