SFTPA1
Description
The SFTPA1 (surfactant protein A1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 10.
Surfactant protein A1 (SP-A1), also known as Pulmonary surfactant-associated protein A1 (PSP-A), is a protein encoded by the SFTPA1 gene. It is primarily produced in type II alveolar cells of the lung as part of pulmonary surfactant, a complex of lipids and proteins that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse during expiration. SP-A1 is a collectin, a type of C-type lectin, and is one of the most abundant proteins in pulmonary surfactant, along with SP-A2. It binds to carbohydrates on the surface of microorganisms, contributing to the defense against respiratory pathogens. SFTPA1 is crucial for breathing, especially in premature infants, and maintaining lung health throughout life. Alterations in its amount or composition can affect its function and are linked to respiratory diseases. While the lung is the primary site of SFTPA1 synthesis, its mRNA has also been detected in the trachea, prostate, pancreas, thymus, colon, eye, salivary gland, and other tissues.
SFTPA1 binds to surfactant phospholipids in the presence of calcium ions, reducing surface tension at the air-liquid interface within the alveoli. This is crucial for normal respiration in mammals. SFTPA1 is also thought to enhance the expression of MYO18A/SP-R210 on alveolar macrophages.
SFTPA1 is also known as COLEC4, ILD1, PSAP, PSP-A, PSPA, SFTP1, SFTPA1B, SP-A, SP-A1, SP-A1 beta, SP-A1 delta, SP-A1 epsilon, SP-A1 gamma, SPA, SPA1.
