FOLH1 / PSMA Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

This gene encodes a type II transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the M28 peptidase family. The protein acts as a glutamate carboxypeptidase on different alternative substrates, including the nutrient folate and the neuropeptide N-acetyl-l-aspartyl-l-glutamate and is expressed in a number of tissues such as prostate, central and peripheral nervous system and kidney. A mutation in this gene may be associated with impaired intestinal absorption of dietary folates, resulting in low blood folate levels and consequent hyperhomocysteinemia. Expression of this protein in the brain may be involved in a number of pathological conditions associated with glutamate excitotoxicity. In the prostate the protein is up-regulated in cancerous cells and is used as an effective diagnostic and prognostic indicator of prostate cancer. This gene likely arose from a duplication event of a nearby chromosomal region. Alternative splicing gives rise to multiple transcript variants encoding several different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2010]

FOLH1: Has both folate hydrolase and N-acetylated-alpha-linked- acidic dipeptidase (NAALADase) activity. Has a preference for tri- alpha-glutamate peptides. In the intestine, required for the uptake of folate. In the brain, modulates excitatory neurotransmission through the hydrolysis of the neuropeptide, N- aceylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), thereby releasing glutamate. Isoform PSM-4 and isoform PSM-5 would appear to be physiologically irrelevant. Involved in prostate tumor progression. Belongs to the peptidase M28 family. M28B subfamily. 8 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Membrane protein, integral; Protease; EC 3.4.17.21

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 11p11.2

Cellular Component: cell surface; cytoplasm; integral to plasma membrane; membrane; plasma membrane

Molecular Function: dipeptidase activity; metal ion binding; metallocarboxypeptidase activity; peptidase activity

Biological Process: amino acid biosynthetic process; folic acid and derivative metabolic process; proteolysis