MFSD2A
MFSD2A is a sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) symporter of the major facilitator superfamily, also known as SLC59A1, MFSD2 and FLJ14490. It is expressed in the endothelium of the blood-brain barrier and is essential for the formation and function of that barrier. Browse Assay Genie's current range of MFSD2A research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
MFSD2A is a sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter that is specifically expressed in the endothelium of blood-brain barrier micro-vessels, where it transports LPC into the brain. This transport is the major route by which docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid essential for normal brain growth and cognitive function, enters the brain. The transporter handles LPC carrying long-chain fatty acids, such as LPC oleate and LPC palmitate, with a minimum acyl chain length of 14 carbons. It does not transport DHA as an unesterified fatty acid.
MFSD2A is required for blood-brain barrier formation and function, probably by mediating lipid transport, but it is not required for central nervous system vascular morphogenesis. The protein belongs to the major facilitator superfamily and is a transmembrane protein found at the cell membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The MFSD2A gene is assigned by HGNC to solute carrier family 59, which accounts for the alias SLC59A1. Earlier names were major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2 and 2A, and the gene has a mouse ortholog, Mfsd2a.
MFSD2A has roles beyond lipid uptake in the brain. It acts as a transporter for tunicamycin, an inhibitor of asparagine-linked glycosylation. In the placenta it serves as a receptor for ERVFRD-1/syncytin-2 and is required for trophoblast fusion. Defects in the MFSD2A gene are a cause of a progressive microcephaly syndrome, in line with its requirement for brain growth and function.
MFSD2A is essential for blood-brain barrier formation and function and is specifically expressed in the endothelium of brain micro-vessels.
It is the major route by which LPC-bound DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid needed for brain growth and cognition, enters the brain.
Defects in the MFSD2A gene cause a progressive microcephaly syndrome, making it relevant to studies of brain growth.
MFSD2A acts as a receptor for ERVFRD-1/syncytin-2 in the placenta and is required for trophoblast fusion.
MFSD2A is a sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter in the blood-brain barrier endothelium. It carries LPC into the brain, the main route for DHA entry, and is required for barrier formation and function. In the placenta it is a receptor for syncytin-2 and is needed for trophoblast fusion.
MFSD2A is also called sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter 1, SLC59A1, MFSD2 and FLJ14490. Earlier HGNC names were major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2 and 2A. The current HGNC name is MFSD2 lysolipid transporter A, lysophospholipid.
Defects in the MFSD2A gene are a cause of a progressive microcephaly syndrome. A mouse ortholog, Mfsd2a, exists. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before using it in a given species.
Other lysolipid transporters, blood-brain barrier markers and placental fusion proteins with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q8NA29; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.