T-Cell Differentiation Protein (MAL) Antibody – Goat Polyclonal

The protein encoded by this gene is a highly hydrophobic integral membrane protein belonging to the MAL family of proteolipids. The protein has been localized to the endoplasmic reticulum of T-cells and is a candidate linker protein in T-cell signal transduction. In addition, this proteolipid is localized in compact myelin of cells in the nervous system and has been implicated in myelin biogenesis and/or function. The protein plays a role in the formation, stabilization and maintenance of glycosphingolipid-enriched membrane microdomains. Down-regulation of this gene has been associated with a variety of human epithelial malignancies. Alternative splicing produces four transcript variants which vary from each other by the presence or absence of alternatively spliced exons 2 and 3. [provided by RefSeq, May 2012]

MAL: Could be an important component in vesicular trafficking cycling between the Golgi complex and the apical plasma membrane. Could be involved in myelin biogenesis and/or myelin function. Belongs to the MAL family. 4 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Membrane protein, multi-pass; Membrane protein, integral

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 2q11.1

Cellular Component: apical plasma membrane; endoplasmic reticulum; endosome; extrinsic to membrane; integral to plasma membrane; lipid raft

Molecular Function: apoptotic protease activator activity; channel activity; lipid binding; protein binding; structural constituent of myelin sheath

Biological Process: apical protein localization; apoptosis; cell differentiation; central nervous system development; lipid raft polarization; myelination; transmembrane transport