BPIFA1
BPIFA1 (BPI fold containing family A member 1, also known as SPLUNC1, PLUNC, LUNX and bA49G10.5) is a secreted lipid-binding protein of the upper airways. It contributes to innate immune defence and to the regulation of airway surface liquid. Browse Assay Genie's current range of BPIFA1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
BPIFA1 is a lipid-binding protein with high specificity for the surfactant phospholipid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). It reduces the surface tension of secretions from airway epithelia and inhibits biofilm formation by Gram-negative pathogens such as P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae. It plays a role in innate immune responses of the upper airways and in the inflammatory response after exposure to irritants, and it may attract macrophages and neutrophils.
BPIFA1 also helps maintain airway surface liquid homeostasis. It negatively regulates proteolytic cleavage of SCNN1G, a step required for activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), and in this way contributes to proper mucus clearance. The protein belongs to the BPI/LBP/Plunc superfamily and the Plunc family, and sits in the HGNC gene group of BPI fold containing proteins. It is a secreted protein, and the mouse and rat orthologues are both named Bpifa1.
The BPIFA1 gene is the human homologue of murine plunc and, like the mouse gene, is specifically expressed in the upper airways and nasopharyngeal regions. Its earlier names, palate, lung and nasal epithelium carcinoma associated (PLUNC) and SPLUNC1, reflect this expression. The encoded antimicrobial protein shows antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. It may also serve as a molecular marker for detecting micrometastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer. Several transcript variants arising from alternative splicing in the 3' UTR have been detected, although the full-length nature of only three is known.
BPIFA1 takes part in innate immune responses of the upper airways and shows antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria.
It inhibits biofilm formation by Gram-negative pathogens including P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, making it relevant to airway infection models.
By limiting SCNN1G cleavage and ENaC activation, BPIFA1 contributes to airway surface liquid homeostasis and mucus clearance.
BPIFA1 may serve as a molecular marker for detecting micrometastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer.
BPIFA1 is a secreted lipid-binding protein that binds DPPC with high specificity. It lowers surface tension in airway secretions, inhibits Gram-negative biofilm formation, and restrains ENaC activation by limiting SCNN1G cleavage. It also contributes to inflammatory responses to irritants in the upper airways.
BPIFA1 is the current HGNC symbol. Earlier names include PLUNC (palate, lung and nasal epithelium carcinoma associated), SPLUNC1, LUNX and bA49G10.5. The name reflects its restricted expression in the upper airways and nasopharyngeal regions; it is the human homologue of murine plunc.
Mouse and rat both have a Bpifa1 orthologue, and the human gene is the homologue of murine plunc. BPIFA1 is thought to be involved in airway inflammatory responses and may be a marker for micrometastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other BPI fold containing family members and airway innate immunity targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9NP55; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.