ABCA4: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Retinal Disorders

Target Name: ABCA4

NCBI ID: G24

ABCA4

ABCA4: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Retinal Disorders

Introduction

ABCA4 (ATP-binding transporter, retina-specific) is a protein that is expressed in the retina, and its function is crucial for the proper functioning of the retina. ABCA4 plays a vital role in the transport of ATP, a crucial energy source for the retina, which is responsible for maintaining the retina's sensitivity and visual perception. The ABCA4 protein is also known to be a drug target and a potential biomarker for several eye disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.

ABCA4's Role in Retinal Function

ABCA4 is a transmembrane protein that is composed of two main subunits, alpha-subunit and beta-subunit. The alpha-subunit is responsible for theATP binding, while the beta-subunit is involved in the protein's stability and localization to the retina.

In the retina, ABCA4 is primarily expressed in the photoreceptor cells, which are responsible for detecting light and transmitting signals to the brain. These cells require a constant supply of ATP in order to maintain their sensitivity and function. ABCA4 is the primary protein that transports ATP into the photoreceptor cells, ensuring that they have access to the energy they need to function properly.

ABCA4's Role in Eye Disorders

ABCA4 is also a drug target for several eye disorders, including AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracacts. These disorders are associated with the dysfunction of the retina and can lead to significant vision loss.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that is characterized by the gradual accumulation of waste material in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision. AMD is a leading cause of blindness in the developed world , and its progression is often accompanied by significant vision loss.

ABCA4 has been shown to be involved in the development and progression of AMD. Studies have shown that ABCA4 levels are significantly higher in individuals with AMD, and that inhibiting ABCA4 function may be a promising strategy for treating this disease.

Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal disorder that is caused by the buildup of waste material in the retina. This disorder can lead to significant vision loss, but is often treated with anti-diabetic medications.

ABCA4 has also been shown to be involved in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Studies have shown that individuals with diabetic retinopathy have higher levels of ABCA4, and that inhibiting ABCA4 function may be a promising strategy for treating this disease.

Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness, and are characterized by the accumulation of waste material in the lens. This disorder can also lead to significant vision loss, and is often treated with cataract surgery.

ABCA4 has been shown to be involved in the development and progression of cataracts. Studies have shown that individuals with cataracts have higher levels of ABCA4, and that inhibiting ABCA4 function may be a promising strategy for treating this disease.

Potential Biomarkers

ABCA4 is also a potential biomarker for several eye disorders. The levels of ABCA4 have been shown to be elevated in individuals with AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, which suggests that these disorders may be associated with increased ABCA4 levels.

ABCA4 levels have also been shown to be elevated in individuals with certain types of glaucoma, which are characterized by the buildup of waste material in the eye. This suggests that

Protein Name: ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 4

Functions: Flippase that catalyzes in an ATP-dependent manner the transport of retinal-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugates like the 11-cis and all-trans isomers of N-retinylidene-phosphatidylethanolamine from the lumen to the cytoplasmic leaflet of photoreceptor outer segment disk membranes, where N-cis-retinylidene-phosphatidylethanolamine (N-cis-R-PE) is then isomerized to its all-trans isomer (N-trans-R-PE) and reduced by RDH8 to produce all-trans-retinol (all-trans-rol) and therefore prevents the accumulation of excess of 11-cis-retinal and its schiff-base conjugate and the formation of toxic bisretinoid (PubMed:24097981, PubMed:22735453, PubMed:23144455, PubMed:20404325, PubMed:10075733, PubMed:29847635, PubMed:33375396). May display both ATPase and GTPase activity that is strongly influenced by the lipid environment and the presence of retinoid compounds (PubMed:22735453). Binds the unprotonated form of N-retinylidene-phosphatidylethanolamine with high affinity in the absence of ATP, and ATP binding and hydrolysis induce a protein conformational change that causes the dissociation of N-retinylidene-phosphatidylethanolamine (By similarity)

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•   the target screening and validation;
•   expression level;
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The report is helpful for project application, drug molecule design, research progress updates, publication of research papers, patent applications, etc. If you are interested to get a full version of this report, please feel free to contact us at BD@silexon.ai

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