SFTPA1

This gene encodes a lung surfactant protein that is a member of a subfamily of C-type lectins called collectins. The encoded protein binds specific carbohydrate moieties found on lipids and on the surface of microorganisms. This protein plays an essential role in surfactant homeostasis and in the defense against respiratory pathogens. Mutations in this gene are associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, May 2010]

Surfactant Protein A1

In presence of calcium ions, it binds to surfactant phospholipids and contributes to lower the surface tension at the air-liquid interface in the alveoli of the mammalian lung and is essential for normal respiration. Enhances the expression of MYO18A/SP-R210 on alveolar macrophages (By similarity).
(Microbial infection) Recognition of M.tuberculosis by dendritic cells may occur partially via this molecule (PubMed:17158455, PubMed:21203928).
Can recognize, bind, and opsonize pathogens to enhance their elimination by alveolar macrophages (PubMed:21123169).3 Publications
(Microbial infection) Binds M.pneumoniae CARDS toxin, serves as one receptor for this pathogen (PubMed:15845487, PubMed:25139904).
When SFTPA1 is down-regulated by siRNA, less toxin binds to human cells and less vacuolization (a symptom of M.pneumoniae infection) is seen (PubMed:25139904).

Biological Process opsonizationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:UniProtKB
Biological Process respiratory gaseous exchange by respiratory systemIEA:UniProtKB-KW

Secreted
Secreted, extracellular space, extracellular matrix
Secreted, extracellular space, surface film

Interstitial lung disease 1 (ILD1):
A form of interstitial lung disease, a heterogeneous group of diseases affecting the distal part of the lung and characterized by a progressive remodeling of the alveolar interstitium. The disease spectrum ranges from idiopathic interstitial pneumonia or pneumonitis to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, that is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Clinical features of interstitial lung disease include dyspnea, clubbing of the fingers, and restrictive lung capacity. ILD1 inheritance can be autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance, and autosomal recessive.
Respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants (RDS):
A lung disease affecting usually premature newborn infants. It is characterized by deficient gas exchange, diffuse atelectasis, high-permeability lung edema and fibrin-rich alveolar deposits called 'hyaline membranes'.

N-acetylated.