Background of the antigen
Sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) symporter, which plays an essential role for blood-brain barrier formation and function. Specifically expressed in endothelium of the blood-brain barrier of micro-vessels and transports LPC into the brain. Transport of LPC is essential because it constitutes the major mechanism by which docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for normal brain growth and cognitive function, enters the brain. Transports LPC carrying long-chain fatty acids such LPC oleate and LPC palmitate with a minimum acyl chain length of 14 carbons. Does not transport docosahexaenoic acid in unesterified fatty acid. Specifically required for blood-brain barrier formation and function, probably by mediating lipid transport. Not required for central nervous system vascular morphogenesis (By similarity). Acts as a transporter for tunicamycin, an inhibitor of asparagine-linked glycosylation. In placenta, acts as a receptor for ERVFRD-1/syncytin-2 and is required for trophoblast fusion (PubMed:18988732).
