FAP

Full Name: Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha

BACKGROUND: The protein encoded by this gene is a homodimeric integral membrane gelatinase belonging to the serine protease family. It is selectively expressed in reactive stromal fibroblasts of epithelial cancers, granulation tissue of healing wounds, and malignant cells of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. This protein is thought to be involved in the control of fibroblast growth or epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during development, tissue repair, and epithelial carcinogenesis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.

Synonyms: Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha; Seprase; 170 KDa Melanoma Membrane-Bound Gelatinase; Gelatine Degradation Protease FAP; Integral Membrane Serine Protease; Post-Proline Cleaving Enzyme; Surface-Expressed Protease; Dipeptidyl Peptidase FAP; FAPalpha; SIMP