SFTPC

This gene encodes the pulmonary-associated surfactant protein C (SPC), an extremely hydrophobic surfactant protein essential for lung function and homeostasis after birth. Pulmonary surfactant is a surface-active lipoprotein complex composed of 90% lipids and 10% proteins which include plasma proteins and apolipoproteins SPA, SPB, SPC and SPD. The surfactant is secreted by the alveolar cells of the lung and maintains the stability of pulmonary tissue by reducing the surface tension of fluids that coat the lung. Multiple mutations in this gene have been identified, which cause pulmonary surfactant metabolism dysfunction type 2, also called pulmonary alveolar proteinosis due to surfactant protein C deficiency, and are associated with interstitial lung disease in older infants, children, and adults. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different protein isoforms have been identified.[provided by RefSeq, Feb 2010]

Surfactant Protein C

Pulmonary surfactant associated proteins promote alveolar stability by lowering the surface tension at the air-liquid interface in the peripheral air spaces.

Respiratory gaseous exchange by respiratory system

Secreted, extracellular space, surface film

Pulmonary surfactant metabolism dysfunction 2 (SMDP2):
A rare disease associated with progressive respiratory insufficiency and lung disease with a variable clinical course, due to impaired surfactant homeostasis. It is characterized by alveolar filling with floccular material that stains positive using the periodic acid-Schiff method and is derived from surfactant phospholipids and protein components. Excessive lipoproteins accumulation in the alveoli results in severe respiratory distress.
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'.