APCS gene

The APCS gene (APCS stands for Amyloid P Component, Serum) is a human protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1q23.2.

The protein encoded by this gene (serum amyloid P component/SAP) is a glycoprotein belonging to the pentraxin family of proteins that exhibit a characteristic pentameric organization. These family members exhibit considerable sequence homology, which is thought to be the result of gene duplication. Human SAP exhibits 51% sequence homology with C-reactive protein (CRP/classic acute phase response plasma protein). Both SAP and CRP are evolutionarily conserved among all vertebrates and are also found in distant invertebrates.

The encoded serum amyloid P component (SAP) binds to apoptotic cells at an early stage and has been identified as an essential component of amyloid deposition. The binding of the encoded protein to proteins in the pathological amyloid cross-beta fold suggests its possible role as a chaperone. SAP can interact with DNA and histones to scavenge nuclear material released from damaged circulating cells. It thus also controls the degradation of chromatin.

Diseases associated with APCS include apolipoprotein A-IV-associated amyloidosis.

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