VAPB is primarily found in the plasma and intracellular vesicle membranes, where it exists as both a homodimer and a heterodimer with VAPA . The protein interacts with VAMP1 and VAMP2, playing a crucial role in vesicle trafficking . VAPB is also involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR), a cellular stress response related to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) . This response helps in maintaining cellular homeostasis by inducing ERN1/IRE1 activity .
Mutations in the VAPB gene have been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, VAPB is associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 8 (ALS8) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Late-Onset, Finkel Type . These conditions are characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy due to the degeneration of motor neurons.
Human recombinant VAPB is used extensively in research to study its role in cellular processes and disease mechanisms. The protein’s involvement in vesicle trafficking and the UPR makes it a significant target for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and developing potential therapeutic interventions .