Adipocyte Plasma Membrane Associated Protein (APMAP) is a protein encoded by the APMAP gene in humans. This protein is involved in various biological processes, including adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism. The recombinant form of this protein is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which allows for the expression of the protein in a host organism, such as E. coli, for research and therapeutic purposes .
APMAP is a type II membrane protein that consists of 378 amino acids and has a molecular mass of approximately 42.2 kDa . It exhibits strong arylesterase activity, which means it can hydrolyze aromatic esters such as beta-naphthyl acetate and phenyl acetate . This enzymatic activity is crucial for its role in various metabolic pathways.
APMAP plays a significant role in the differentiation of adipocytes, the cells responsible for storing fat in the body . It is also involved in the biosynthetic processes that are essential for the proper functioning of these cells. Additionally, APMAP has been identified as a novel modulator of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, suggesting its involvement in viral entry and replication .
The recombinant form of APMAP is widely used in research to study its structure, function, and interactions with other proteins. For example, studies have shown that APMAP interacts with the γ-secretase complex in the brain, potentially influencing the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, which are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease .