Alpha-1 antitrypsin
Alpha-1 antitrypsin
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (pronounced: AL-fuh one AN-tee-TRY-psin), also known as A1AT or serpin A1, is a type of serine protease inhibitor (serpin) that is encoded by the SERPINA1 gene in humans.
Etymology
The term "Alpha-1 antitrypsin" is derived from its function and classification. "Alpha-1" refers to the protein's location in alpha1-globulin fraction of blood proteins when subjected to protein electrophoresis. "Antitrypsin" reflects its function as a protease inhibitor (specifically, an inhibitor of the enzyme trypsin).
Function
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is primarily produced in the liver, and its main function is to protect the lungs from neutrophil elastase, an enzyme that can degrade connective tissue. It does this by binding to and neutralizing neutrophil elastase. In this way, alpha-1 antitrypsin plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the lungs.
Related Terms
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A genetic disorder resulting from deficient or defective production of alpha-1 antitrypsin, leading to lung and liver disease.
- Neutrophil elastase: An enzyme that can degrade connective tissue, which is neutralized by alpha-1 antitrypsin.
- Serine protease inhibitor (serpin): A type of protein that can inhibit certain enzymes. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a type of serpin.
- SERPINA1: The gene that encodes alpha-1 antitrypsin in humans.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alpha-1 antitrypsin
- Wikipedia's article - Alpha-1 antitrypsin
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