Anti-NAPSIN A antibody [KCG1.1]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Napsin A also known as napsin or napsine is an aspartic proteinase with a molecular weight of approximately 38 kDa. This enzyme is primarily expressed in the lung tissue renal tubules and in some cases thymus and spleen. Napsin A plays a significant role in protein catabolism by degrading specific peptide bonds facilitating protein turnover and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. It is often useful in identifying cell types being napsin A positive in certain cells and napsin A negative in others.

Biological function summary

Napsin A functions in the maturation of pulmonary surfactant proteins which are essential for normal lung function. Napsin A cleaves surfactant protein B an important component of the surfactant system in alveolar air spaces allowing proper lung mechanics. While napsin A operates in concert with other enzymes it does not form part of a larger complex. Its role impacts cellular processes related to respiratory physiology and contributes to the regulation of protein breakdown within the cell.

Pathways

Napsin A is involved in respiratory and proteolytic pathways influencing lung physiology and systemic protein metabolism. One important pathway is the surfactant metabolism pathway which ensures adequate surfactant levels for maintaining lung function. Napsin A is related to surfactant proteins like surfactant protein B through this pathway facilitating their activation and processing.

Associated diseases and disorders

Napsin A serves as a biomarker for certain lung adenocarcinomas where napsin A positive lung tumors often indicate differential diagnosis between primary lung cancer and metastases from other sites. Napsin A's expression is linked to the presence of adenocarcinoma a specific type of lung cancer. In renal disorders napsin A expression helps distinguish renal cell carcinoma from other renal masses where its expression pattern relates to other proteins like thyroid transcription factor-1 in diagnosing specific cancer types.