The AAAS gene provides instructions for making a protein called ALADIN. ALADIN belongs to a family of proteins called nucleoporins that help transport molecules between the nucleus and the fluid surrounding the nucleus (cytoplasm).
ALADIN is abundant in the adrenal glands, the brain, and the digestive system. Within cells, ALADIN is found in the nuclear envelope, the structure that surrounds the nucleus and separates it from the rest of the cell. ALADIN acts as a gatekeeper that controls which molecules can enter or exit the nucleus, helping to ensure that the proteins that cells need to function reach the proper locations within the nucleus at the appropriate times.
ALADIN is also believed to help protect cells in the adrenal glands from the damage caused by unstable oxygen-containing molecules.
Other Names
AAA; AAASb; achalasia, adrenocortical insufficiency, alacrimia; achalasia, adrenocortical insufficiency, alacrimia (Allgrove, triple-A); ADRACALA; ADRACALIN; ALADIN; GL003
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 8086
- OMIM: 605378
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
