Recombinant Rat ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 7 (Abca7), partial

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that plays a role in lipid homeostasis and macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. Binds APOA1 and may function in apolipoprotein-mediated phospholipid efflux from cells. May also mediate cholesterol efflux. May regulate cellular ceramide homeostasis during keratinocyte differentiation. Involved in lipid raft organization and CD1D localization on thymocytes and antigen-presenting cells, which plays an important role in natural killer T-cell development and activation. Plays a role in phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages. Macrophage phagocytosis is stimulated by APOA1 or APOA2, probably by stabilization of ABCA7. Also involved in phagocytic clearance of amyloid-beta by microglia cells and macrophages. Further limits amyloid-beta production by playing a role in the regulation of amyloid-beta A4 precursor protein (APP) endocytosis and/or processing.