SAA1 : serum amyloid A1
Description
The SAA1 (serum amyloid A1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
The SAA1 gene provides instructions for making the serum amyloid A1 protein, primarily produced in the liver and circulating at low levels in the blood. While its exact function is not fully understood, SAA1 appears to be involved in the immune system, potentially aiding in tissue repair, acting as an antibacterial agent, and signaling the migration of immune cells to infection sites. SAA1 levels increase in the blood and tissues during inflammation, a process initiated by the immune system in response to injury, disease, or microbial invaders to fight infection and facilitate healing. Once the inflammatory response is no longer needed, the body stops it to prevent damage to its own cells and tissues. There are three forms of the SAA1 protein, alpha, beta, and gamma, differing by one or two amino acids. The frequency of these forms varies across populations, with alpha predominating in white populations and gamma being rare, while all three forms are nearly equally common in the Japanese population.
SAA1 is a major acute phase protein, meaning its levels in the blood increase significantly during inflammation.
SAA1 is also known as PIG4, SAA, SAA2, TP53I4.
