SPNS1: Proteins and Enzymes

SPNS1 is a human ortholog of the Drosophila melanogaster spin gene. Many orthologs have been identified in a number of species from nematodes to humans. In drosophila the Spin protein may function in mediating apoptotic signals conveyed from follicle cells to nurse cells or from glia to neurons. The accumulation of lipofuscin-like materials in spin mutant neurons further implies the possible function of the spin gene in regulating lysosomal turnover in nerve cells. SPNS1 may be involved in necrotic or autophagic cell death.