Fibroblast activation protein, alpha

Fibroblast activation protein, alpha

PDB rendering based on 1z68.
Identifiers
Symbols FAP; DKFZp686G13158; DPPIV; FAPA
External IDs OMIM600403 MGI109608 HomoloGene48282 GeneCards: FAP Gene
EC number 3.4.21.-
RNA expression pattern
More reference expression data
Orthologs
Species Human Mouse
Entrez 2191 14089
Ensembl ENSG00000078098 ENSMUSG00000000392
UniProt Q12884 P97321
RefSeq (mRNA) NM_004460 NM_007986.2
RefSeq (protein) NP_004451 NP_032012.1
Location (UCSC) Chr 2:
163.03 – 163.1 Mb
Chr 2:
62.34 – 62.41 Mb
PubMed search [1] [2]

Fibroblast activation protein, alpha (FAP) also known as seprase or 170 kDa melanoma membrane-bound gelatinase is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FAP gene.[1]

Contents

Function

The protein encoded by this gene is a homodimeric integral membrane gelatinase belonging to the serine protease family. It is selectively expressed in reactive stromal fibroblasts of epithelial cancers, granulation tissue of healing wounds, and malignant cells of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. This protein is thought to be involved in the control of fibroblast growth or epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during development, tissue repair, and epithelial carcinogenesis. [1]

FAP, also known as seprase, belongs to the clan SC proteases and is a member of the S9B prolyl oligopeptidase subfamily. Other members of the S9B subfamily are DPPIV, DPP8 and DPP9. [2] FAP is most closely related to DPPIV and they share about 50% of their amino acids.

FAP is catalytically active as a 170kD dimer and has dipeptidase and gelatinase activity. Its gelatinase activity requires a glycine in P2 position.

Clinical significance

FAP expression is seen on activated stromal fibroblasts of more than 90% of all human carcinomes. Stromal fibroblasts play an important role in the development, growth and metastasis of carcinomas.

Talabostat is a inhibitor of FAP and related enzymes, for which clinical trials have been done, but further research is suspended. Sibrotuzumab is a monoclonal antibody against FAP.

References


Further reading