Function
Saposin (Sap) is a small protein which functions as activator of lipid-degrading enzymes. They act by isolating the lipid substrate from the membrane. Sap is synthesized as a precursor – prosaposin – which contain 4 SapB active domains (cleaved to saposin A,B,C and D) and 2 SapA domains which are cleaved off[1]. See also Lipid metabolism.
- Saposin A and C stimulate hydrolysis of methylumbelliferyl β-galactoside by β-glucosylceramidase and of galactocerebrocide by β-galactosylceramidase[2]. For more details see Molecular Playground/Saposin C.
- Saposin B facilitates lipid binding to CD1d[3].
- Saposin D stimulates acid ceramidase activity[4].
Disease
Mutations in saposin B are autosomal recessive trait resulting in clinical metachromatic leukodystrophy[5]. Mutations in saposin D cause urinary system defects[6].