BAALC
Description
The BAALC (BAALC binder of MAP3K1 and KLF4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 8.
BAALC is a gene that encodes the brain and acute leukemia cytoplasmic protein. The official symbol (BAALC) and official name (brain and acute leukemia cytoplasmic) are maintained by the HGNC. While its function is not fully understood, it has been suggested to have synaptic roles involving the post synaptic lipid raft. Lipid rafts are microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids, with functions including membrane trafficking, signal processing, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. The postsynaptic lipid raft contains many proteins and is a major site for signal processing and postsynaptic density (PSD). Alongside its involvement in the postsynaptic lipid rafts, BAALC expression has been linked to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
== Genetics ==
BAALC is located on the long arm (q) of chromosome 8 at position 22.3 (8q22.3). The human BAALC gene comprises eight exons, spans 89 613 bases of genomic DNA, and its transcript encodes 180 amino acids. The gene is highly conserved in mammals, including domestic pigs, mice, and rats. However, BAALC is not present in lower organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster and Saccharomyces.
May play a synaptic role at the postsynaptic lipid rafts, potentially through interaction with CAMK2A.
BAALC is also known as -.
