Acid Ceramidase (ASAH1) Antibody – Rabbit Polyclonal

This gene encodes a member of the acid ceramidase family of proteins. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed. Processing of this preproprotein generates alpha and beta subunits that heterodimerize to form the mature lysosomal enzyme, which catalyzes the degradation of ceramide into sphingosine and free fatty acid. This enzyme is overexpressed in multiple human cancers and may play a role in cancer progression. Mutations in this gene are associated with the lysosomal storage disorder, Farber lipogranulomatosis, and a neuromuscular disorder, spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2015]

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: extracellular space; lysosomal lumen

Molecular Function: catalytic activity; ceramidase activity

Biological Process: ceramide metabolic process; glycosphingolipid metabolic process; sphingolipid metabolic process

Disease: Farber Lipogranulomatosis