Recombinant Human BPI fold-containing family A member 1 (BPIFA1)

Uniprot Id

Q9NP55

Target Species

Human

Target Name

BPIFA1

Target Full Name

BPI fold-containing family A member 1

Target Function

Lipid-binding protein which shows high specificity for the surfactant phospholipid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Plays a role in the innate immune responses of the upper airways. Reduces the surface tension in secretions from airway epithelia and inhibits the formation of biofilm by pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, such as P.aeruginosa and K.pneumoniae. Negatively regulates proteolytic cleavage of SCNN1G, an event that is required for activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), and thereby contributes to airway surface liquid homeostasis and proper clearance of mucus. Plays a role in the airway inflammatory response after exposure to irritants. May attract macrophages and neutrophils.

Target Subcellular Location

Secreted. Note=Apical side of airway epithelial cells. Detected in airway surface liquid, nasal mucus and sputum.

Target Protein Families

BPI/LBP/Plunc superfamily, Plunc family

Target Tissue Specificity

Highly expressed in lung, upper airways and nasopharyngeal regions, including trachea and nasal epithelium (at protein level). Specifically expressed in the secretory ducts and submucosal glands of tracheobronchial tissues (at protein level). Also express

Target Synonyms

BPIFA1; LUNX; NASG; PLUNC; SPLUNC1; SPURT; UNQ787/PRO1606; BPI fold-containing family A member 1; Lung-specific protein X; Nasopharyngeal carcinoma-related protein; Palate lung and nasal epithelium clone protein; Secretory protein in upper respiratory tracts; Short PLUNC1; Tracheal epithelium-enriched protein; Von Ebner protein Hl

Target Background

This gene is the human homolog of murine plunc, and like the mouse gene, is specifically expressed in the upper airways and nasopharyngeal regions. The encoded antimicrobial protein displays antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. It is thought to be involved in inflammatory responses to irritants in the upper airways and may also serve as a potential molecular marker for detection of micrometastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer. Multiple transcript variants resulting from alternative splicing in the 3' UTR have been detected, but the full-length nature of only three are known.