Acid Ceramidase (ASAH1) Human Recombinant Protein

This gene encodes a heterodimeric protein consisting of a nonglycosylated alpha subunit and a glycosylated beta subunit that is cleaved to the mature enzyme posttranslationally. The encoded protein catalyzes the synthesis and degradation of ceramide into sphingosine and fatty acid. Mutations in this gene have been associated with a lysosomal storage disorder known as Farber disease. Multiple transcript variants encoding several distinct isoforms have been identified for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

ASAH1: Hydrolyzes the sphingolipid ceramide into sphingosine and free fatty acid. Defects in ASAH1 are the cause of Farber lipogranulomatosis (FL); also known as Farber disease (FD). This sphingolipid disease is characterized by subcutaneous lipid-loaded nodules, excruciating pain in the joints and extremities, marked accumulation of ceramide in lysosomes, and death by three years of age. Defects in ASAH1 are the cause of spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMAPME). An autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by childhood onset of motor deficits and progressive myoclonic seizures, after normal developmental milestones. Proximal muscle weakness and generalized muscular atrophy are due to degeneration of spinal motor neurons. Myoclonic epilepsy is generally resistant to conventional therapy. The disease course is progressive and leads to respiratory muscle involvement and severe handicap or early death from respiratory insufficiency. Belongs to the acid ceramidase family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Lipid Metabolism - sphingolipid; EC 3.5.1.23; Hydrolase

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 8p22

Cellular Component: lysosomal lumen

Molecular Function: catalytic activity; ceramidase activity

Biological Process: response to organic substance; sphingolipid metabolic process; glycosphingolipid metabolic process; ceramide metabolic process; lung development

Disease: Farber Lipogranulomatosis